Athens And Sparta's Differences Of The Ideal Citizens In Sparta

In America, the ideal citizen is often viewed as one who is concerned with freedom, justice, equality, honesty, and is actively involved in the government around them. This generalized concept of a real American is usually recognized throughout our country. In ancient Greece, however, a model citizen in Athens would be considered severally lacking in character if they were transplanted in Sparta. Ancient Greek cities, like Athens and Sparta, differed greatly in their idea of the ideal citizen in regard to government, occupation, and social relationships. Athens and Sparta had different forms of government in accordance with their values. The city of Athens was well known for its direct democratic form of government and is often referred to …show more content…
According to Plutarch, Spartan boys were sent to a sort of boarding school when they reached the age of seven to begin to train to become a warrior (Plutarch, 2). For their entire lives, Spartans focused their education on the study of war and strengthening their bodies. Women were also encouraged to participate in the games to strengthen their bodies for childbearing (Section 8 Sparta, 2013). Menial labor that was necessary for the running of the city was left to the helots, the conquered slaves who resided in the city. “…they had no need at all in a state where wealth obtained no honor or respect. The Helots tilled their ground for them, and paid them yearly in kind the appointed quantity, without any trouble of theirs” (Plutarch, 2). Spartans considered themselves above activities that did not bring glory to their families and Sparta. Finally, Athens and Sparta diverged once again on the social roles of men, women, and children. In Sparta, the men were tasked with becoming warriors and finding glory by going to war. The women, in turn, were left to run the household and complete all the necessary tasks it required. Although boys were removed from the home at a young age, women were responsible for producing warrior sons for Sparta and raising them until they entered school. Children were expected to obey their parents, but eventually gave their true loyalty to their …show more content…
They had their own forms of governments, values, and social customs that were unique to each individual city. Athens and Sparta are two such examples. Sparta was concerned with raising successful warriors that could adequately defend their militant city. They did not believe that a Spartan should engage in farming and other such labor that did not bring honor and respect to Sparta. Their women experienced a rather free way of life, even though their children were separated from them early. Their oligarchy form of government ensured the precision needed to run their city. Athens seemed to be fairly opposite of Sparta in most of its views. Men were encouraged to serve in civic affairs in the city’s direct democracy and participated in personal development. Women were more secluded and often times were house bound. All these differences separated Athens, Sparta and other Greek cities and contributed to the uniqueness of the Greek