The document provides an overview of the ancient Greek city-states of Athens and Sparta between 700-338 BCE. It describes the basic structures and governments of the polis system, and highlights some key differences in Spartan and Athenian society, politics, and military training. Sparta was a strictly disciplined military state where males lived communally and underwent rigorous training from a young age. Athenian democracy developed after reforms eliminated the aristocracy and monarchy.
8. Age group / activity Purpose Effects Training restricted the size of the homoioi population. Spartan males lacked skill in most areas. They were largely illiterate. They were restricted in outlook. Spartans were never able to govern their conquests adequately Training: 10 days old: inspected by Council of Elders. 7-12 years old: training in physical fitness and obedience. 20-30 years old: At 20 years old permission was given to marry, but remained in barracks. Dined in "clubs." Attendance was compulsory. Members had to be accepted by all other members. A potential member might be "blackballed". 30 years old: becomes a full citizen (or homoioi). Might sleep at home but eats in a common mess. This eating in a common mess continued throughout a Spartan male's life. 60 years old: eligible for membership in the "Council of Elders" or Gerousia. At this age, many became involved in the training of younger Spartans. To produce strong, healthy children. The training system was aimed at developing strong morale through association with peers and common experience. It instilled the Spartan with unquestioning loyalty to the state. .
9. Women: Underwent similar training Young Spartan women exercised rigorously and were inculcated with the same ideals of duty, loyalty and self-sacrifice as were young men. To develop a deeply loyal female population who were responsible for maintaining the home while the adult male Spartans were away fighting. The role of Spartan women as the bearers of children was paramount. Their training taught them to be tough, resilient and supportive of the State. Spartan women had a role in the early education of infants prior to the State taking formal control at age seven. Spartan women were an important part of Spartan society. They possessed incredible freedom when compared with their Athenian counterparts. Spartan women came to wield considerable power by virtue of their control of property.
