What are the differences and simalarities between ancient athens and sparta?
Both were Greek city states. Both were expansionist at different stages of their history Each sought to achieve hegemony amongst the other Greek city states. In spite of their differences they combined militarily against the Persians. The each fought the other. Athens was a democracy (really an oligarchy with oligarchs voting) Sparta had a rather odd government with two kings. Athens was relatively artistic and its citizens appreciated beauty and literature. Sparta was devoted to military power. Athens permitted the development of philosophy and exploration of knowledge. Sparta concentrated on military prowess. Sparta operated on the basis of enslaving neighbouring tribes (the helots) Athens had a few slaves, but nothing like the number or system that Sparta had. Homosexuality was an integral part of Spartan military traing. Homosexuality existed in, but was not integral to, Athenian society.
