In this Grade 6 lesson from Pengi Social Studies, students contrast the militaristic, oligarchic society of Sparta with the cultural and democratic values of Athens. Students analyze the rights and responsibilities of Athenian citizenship while examining the roles of women and non-citizens in both city-states.
Section 1
Two Paths: Democracy vs. Oligarchy
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Athens and Sparta became rival powers with opposite values. Athens was a direct democracy ("rule by the people") that valued individual expression and trade.
In contrast, Sparta was a military oligarchy ("rule by a few") ruled by two kings and a council of elders. Sparta valued discipline, obedience, and military strength above all else.
Section 2
Education: Thinkers vs. Soldiers
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In Athens, education created well-rounded citizens. Boys studied reading, music, and rhetoric to prepare for public life in the democracy.
Sparta was a military state. From age seven, boys left home for harsh training in the agoge. Their education focused entirely on pain tolerance and warfare to create tough soldiers who could control the enslaved population.
Section 3
Economy: Trade vs. Conquest
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Athens used its coastal location to build a maritime economy. Athenian ships traded pottery and olive oil across the Mediterranean, bringing back wealth and new ideas.
Sparta, located inland, relied on farming and conquest. They forced conquered people, called helots, to farm the land. This slave labor allowed Spartan men to focus exclusively on war.
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Section 1
Two Paths: Democracy vs. Oligarchy
###
Athens and Sparta became rival powers with opposite values. Athens was a direct democracy ("rule by the people") that valued individual expression and trade.
In contrast, Sparta was a military oligarchy ("rule by a few") ruled by two kings and a council of elders. Sparta valued discipline, obedience, and military strength above all else.
Section 2
Education: Thinkers vs. Soldiers
###
In Athens, education created well-rounded citizens. Boys studied reading, music, and rhetoric to prepare for public life in the democracy.
Sparta was a military state. From age seven, boys left home for harsh training in the agoge. Their education focused entirely on pain tolerance and warfare to create tough soldiers who could control the enslaved population.
Section 3
Economy: Trade vs. Conquest
###
Athens used its coastal location to build a maritime economy. Athenian ships traded pottery and olive oil across the Mediterranean, bringing back wealth and new ideas.
Sparta, located inland, relied on farming and conquest. They forced conquered people, called helots, to farm the land. This slave labor allowed Spartan men to focus exclusively on war.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter