Sparta vs. Athens:
Contrast and Compare Sort Activity
Draw a three-column chart on page 95 of your ISN. Label the columns Sparta, Athens, and Both. Next, cut along the dotted lines on this handout to
separate the descriptions. Place the descriptions into the appropriate columns on your ISN page. DO NOT glue the descriptions to the page until
instructed to do so by the teacher.
Government was an oligarchy.
Part of Balkan Peninsula.
Children trained in barracks.
Fell behind in trade, science, and
the arts.
Taught reading, writing, and the
art of public speaking.
Were expected to ‘Win or die
trying.’
Encouraged contact with the
outside world.
Males must be non-slaves, born
in the city-state, to be citizens.
City-state government.
Women encouraged to be
competitive.
Sons were made tough through
neglect.
Part of the Peloponnesus
Peninsula.
Spoke the Greek language.
Had a strong navy.
Appreciated the arts.
Women are taught to spin thread,
weave cloth.
Male children were sent to
Primary School at age 7.
Taught to be well-rounded,
productive citizens.
Suspicious of outsiders.
Had a strong army.
Government was a democracy.