Athens and Sparta - Auburn City Schools

Tuesday, August 30, 2011 Agenda  Bell Assignment  Comparing Athens/Sparta – Individual

Work  Complete Propaganda Poster!  Write a response to the Central Question! Map Quiz on Friday!

Bell Assignment

Geography of Greece  Geography of Greece

is very different from the geography of the river civilizations. – Greece does not have a major river. – Greece is covered by mountains and hills – The soil is very dry and rocky in most places

Influence of Geography  Because of the unique geographical

landscape, Greece was influenced in the following ways: – The Greeks became dependent upon trading with civilizations, such as Egypt. – The Greeks became great sailors. – Greek city states were isolated from each other. This led to lots of fighting between the Greeks. They were never unified.

Greek Polis  A Greek polis is a

Greek city-state. There were several of them. Each city state was surrounded by low lying mountains and were built around a large low lying mountain called an acropolis.

Greek Government  Each city state developed its own system of

government: – – – –

Monarchy Aristocracy Oligarchy Democracy

Central Question  Which city state, Athens or Sparta, has

the best approach for protecting the welfare and security of the community?

Comparing Athens and Sparta What did you discover?

Athens vs Sparta Athens Sparta Athens government was a Sparta’s government was democracy an oligarchy Athens, economy was based on trade, foreign trade was especially important. It allowed Athens to get the necessary items needed to support the population.

Sparta’s economy was based on farming and conquering. Sparta discouragd foreign trade. Spartan leaders thought interaction with outsiders would weaken Sparta.

Athens vs Sparta Athens Athens had a superior navy, which was needed to protect their trade network. Athens was a cultural/educational center. Athens believed that education was key to the survival of a democratic society.

Sparta Sparta had a superior land army, which was needed to patrol the local area and impose the strict laws on helots. Sparta’s education focused on preparing young men for the army. Reading and writing was not a requirement.

Athens vs Sparta Athens

Sparta

Athens has become a naval and economic powerhouse after the Persian Wars.

Sparta remains focused on their military society, but they are threatened by Athens’ new found power and wealth.