Athens and Sparta Facts & Worksheets

Athens and Sparta facts and information plus worksheet packs and fact file. Includes 5 activities aimed at students 11-14 years old (KS3) & 5 activities aimed at students 14-16 years old (GCSE). Great for home study or to use within the classroom environment.

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Athens and Sparta Worksheets

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Table of Contents
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    Summary

    • Brief Overview of Ancient Greece
    • Government and Political Structure
    • Society and Culture
    • Military and Warfare
    • Athens and Sparta Conflicts

    Key Facts And Information

    Let’s know more about Athens and Sparta!

    Athens and Sparta were two of the most powerful city-states in Ancient Greece, with very different political systems and cultures. Athens was a democracy where citizens could vote on laws and decisions, while Sparta was an oligarchy ruled by a small group, including two kings. Athenian society focused on philosophy, arts and education, whereas Spartan society was centred on military training, with citizens raised to be warriors.

    Map of Ancient Athens
    Map of Ancient Athens
    Map of Sparta
    Map of Sparta
    • The two city-states also had contrasting military strengths. Athens had a strong navy, while Sparta was famous for its skilled army, trained for land battles. Their rivalry was most evident during the Peloponnesian War (431–404 BCE). Sparta ultimately won, but both city-states were weakened, leading to a shift in power across Greece.

    Brief Overview of Ancient Greece

    • Ancient Greece had independent city-states, or poleis. Although they had a shared language, religion and cultural heritage, each had its own government and societal structure. Among the most famous of these city-states were Athens, Sparta, Corinth and Thebes.
    • Geographically, Ancient Greece included mainland Greece, the Peloponnese Peninsula and many islands. This geographical division led to the development of distinct city-states, each with its own identity and political structure. Despite their independence, the city-states occasionally united, as they did during the Persian Wars in the 5th century BCE, to fight common enemies. Greek civilisation made significant contributions to Western culture. Athens, for example, is regarded as the birthplace of democracy. Additionally, the Greeks made significant progress in art, architecture, literature and science.
    • Although the Greek city-states often faced internal conflicts, particularly between Athens and Sparta, they also experienced periods of cultural flourishing, especially during the Classical period (5th–4th century BCE). Eventually, Greece came under the control of Macedonia in the 4th century BCE, but the ideas and achievements of Ancient Greece continued to influence later civilisations.

    Government and Political Structure of Athens and Sparta

    Athens

    • Athens developed a kind of democratic government that allowed citizens to participate directly in decision-making. This system evolved over time and reached its peak in the 5th century BCE under leaders such as Cleisthenes and Pericles. Unlike modern democracies, where elected representatives make decisions on behalf of the people, Athenian democracy required citizens to take part in government affairs themselves.
    • The Assembly (Ekklesia) was when eligible citizens could gather to discuss and vote on important issues. They met regularly on the Pnyx hill, and decisions were made through a simple majority vote.
    • Supporting the Assembly was the Council of 500 (Boule), which was responsible for preparing laws and managing the daily affairs of the city. Members of the Council were chosen by lottery from the citizen population and served for one year.
    • In addition to the Council, Athens had various officials and magistrates who carried out government duties. The most important of these were the archons, who handled administrative and religious matters, and the generals (strategoi), who led the military. While most government positions were assigned by lottery, generals were elected based on their skills and experience.
    • The Athenian legal system had large juries made up of citizens deciding legal cases in the courts (Dikasteria). Jurors were selected by lot, and there were no professional judges, meaning ordinary citizens had a direct role in legal decision-making.
    • Despite its democratic principles, the Athenian government had significant limitations. Only free adult men born in Athens were allowed to participate in politics, meaning that women, enslaved people and non-citizens (metics) were excluded. As a result, a large portion of the population had no political rights.

    Sparta

    • Unlike Athens, Sparta was ruled by a strict oligarchy that emphasised military strength, discipline and stability. At the top were two kings from the Agiad and Eurypontid families, both thought to be descendants of the hero Heracles. They ruled together, so neither could act without the other’s consent.
    • They led religious ceremonies and consulted the Oracle of Delphi, whose advice was important in Spartan politics. They also commanded Sparta’s armies in battle but had limited authority in legal matters. Over time, however, their political influence declined, and they became more like military leaders than absolute rulers.
    • Supporting the kings was the Gerousia, a council made up of 28 elders, all over the age of 60, along with the two kings. Members of the Gerousia were elected for life, usually from noble families, particularly the royal households. This council discussed and prepared key laws and policies before presenting them to the Assembly for approval. It also acted as the highest court, dealing with serious crimes and making sure only helpful policies were considered.
    • One of the most powerful groups in the Spartan government was the five Ephors, chosen each year by the Assembly. The Ephors had great power, watching over the kings, enforcing laws and handling foreign affairs.
    • Their influence grew over time, particularly after the Persian Wars, when they took control of declaring war and overseeing Sparta’s diplomatic affairs. They also supervised the military training of young Spartan boys and ensured that all citizens followed the strict laws and customs of the state.
    • The Spartan Assembly was made up of all male Spartan citizens over the age of 30. It was responsible for voting on laws proposed by the Gerousia, electing members to the Gerousia and choosing the five Ephors. However, unlike the Athenian Assembly, the Spartan Assembly had no discussion rights. Instead, voting was conducted by shouting, with the loudest side determining the outcome.

    Society and Culture of Athens and Sparta

    Athens

    • Athenian society was structured into three main classes: citizens, metics (foreigners) and enslaved people. Only male citizens, born to Athenian parents, could participate in political life. Women, although citizens, were excluded from public affairs and focused mainly on managing households. Metics were important to the economy, working in trade and crafts, but lacked political rights. Enslaved people, who formed a large part of the population, worked in households, workshops and even public institutions like the silver mines.
    • Athens was a centre for intellectual and philosophical achievements. Famous philosophers like Socrates, Plato and Aristotle emerged from Athens. Their work led to the development of critical thinking and the belief that knowledge could improve society.
    • The arts also flourished, especially through drama. Playwrights like Sophocles, Euripides and Aeschylus wrote tragedies about themes of human nature, morality and fate. Sculptors like Phidias created iconic statues.
    Acropolis
    Acropolis
    • In terms of religion, the Athenians were polytheistic, believing in many gods and goddesses. Athena, the goddess of wisdom, was the city’s main goddess, and the Acropolis showed Athens’ respect for her. Religious festivals like the Panathenaic Games included sports, sacrifices and performances.
    • Education was highly valued in Athens, especially for boys. Young men were taught subjects like rhetoric (the art of speaking), mathematics, music and philosophy. This education helped prepare them to engage in debates, vote in the Assembly and take part in the democratic process.
    • Women had a limited role in public life, and enslaved people had no rights. Foreigners, though important to the economy, were excluded from political decisions. This created a society where not everyone had an equal voice, despite the city’s reputation for democracy and intellectual progress.

    Sparta

    • Spartan society was highly organised. Every part of Spartan life was designed to prepare individuals for military service and to ensure the state’s stability.
    • At the top of Spartan society were the spartiates, full citizens who had the right to participate in politics and serve in the military. To become a spartiate, boys had to go through the agoge, a training programme required for full citizenship.
    • Beneath the spartiates were the perioikoi, free inhabitants who were not full citizens but still had more rights than the helots. The perioikoi were often skilled workers, traders or craftsmen who supported the military and provided goods and services. Although they were not allowed to take part in political life, perioikoi men fought alongside the spartiates in battles. They were also involved in trade and foreign relations.
    • The largest were the helots, who were enslaved people that worked the land and served the spartiates. The helots were originally free Greeks from areas such as Messenia and Laconia, but they were conquered by the Spartans and forced into servitude. 
    • Unlike enslaved people in other parts of Greece, the helots were not considered the private property of individual citizens. Instead, they were owned by the state. They worked the land, provided household services and even assisted in military campaigns, but they had no political rights. Despite their harsh treatment, the helots could marry, practise religion and keep a portion of the produce from their work.
    • In terms of religion, Spartans also worshipped many gods and religious festivals were central to their culture. These festivals celebrated both religious and military achievements. Spartans believed that their strength in battle was linked to divine favour, and they held regular ceremonies to maintain that favour.
    • Women in Sparta had more rights and freedoms than in many other Greek city-states. Although their primary role was to bear and raise children, they were encouraged to stay physically fit and could participate in sports such as running and wrestling. Spartan women could own property and were often more independent compared to women in other Greek cities.

    Military and Warfare of Athens and Sparta

    Athens

    • While Athens was not as focused on warfare as Sparta, it still developed a strong and organised military. The Athenian army consisted mainly of citizen-soldiers called hoplites. They fought in a formation known as the phalanx, using large shields and long spears for protection and attack.
    • Military training was an important part of an Athenian man’s life. At the age of 18, young men underwent two years of training, known as ephebic service, where they learnt combat skills and tactics. After this, they could be called upon for military campaigns when needed.
    • Compared to highly militarised city-states like Sparta, the Athenian army was relatively small, which is why naval power became its greatest strength. The Athenian navy relied on a fleet of triremes, fast and manoeuvrable warships designed to ram and sink enemy vessels. These ships were manned by around 170 rowers, mostly lower-class citizens or foreign residents.
    • Athens used both land and naval forces, but its main strength was its navy. While it had a skilled hoplite army, it avoided land battles against stronger enemies like Sparta. Instead, it depended on its fleet, fortifications and alliances to stay powerful.

    Sparta

    • Sparta was one of the most war-focused city-states in Ancient Greece. Spartan men trained strictly to become elite soldiers, making their army one of the most powerful and feared in land battles.
    • Military training began at the age of seven through the agoge, an intense education system that taught boys survival skills, endurance and loyalty to the state. At 20, they officially joined the army and became members of a syssition, a communal dining group where they trained and prepared for war.
    • Spartan soldiers, known as homoioi (‘equals’), fought in a tight phalanx formation. Spartan hoplites were considered the best-trained warriors in Greece. Unlike in other city-states, where citizens could engage in trade or politics, Spartan men remained active soldiers until the age of 60.
    • They were encouraged to marry at 20 but could not live with their families until they completed their military service at 30. Only those who completed their training and service were granted full citizenship. 
    • The Spartan military also depended on the helots, who largely worked the land and provided food. This allowed Spartan men to focus entirely on warfare. However, because the helots greatly outnumbered the Spartans, there was constant fear of rebellion. To maintain control, young Spartan warriors joined the Krypteia, a secret group that hunted and killed rebellious helots at night.
    • Despite its military strength, Sparta’s rigid system played a role in its decline. Over time, the number of full citizens decreased due to strict citizenship requirements and heavy losses in war.

    Athens and Sparta Conflicts

    Peloponnesian War
    Peloponnesian War
    • Athens and Sparta were two of the most powerful city-states in Ancient Greece, but their differences in politics, culture and military strategies led to frequent conflicts. While they occasionally worked together against common enemies, their rivalry ultimately shaped Greek history. 

    Key Conflicts: 

    • The Persian Wars (499–449 BCE): Athens and Sparta fought together against the Persian Empire, each playing different roles. Athens won the Battle of Marathon (490 BCE) alone, but both cities teamed up at the Battle of Plataea (479 BCE) to defeat the Persians.

     

    • The Peloponnesian War (431–404 BCE): The most famous conflict between Athens and Sparta. Athens led the Delian League, while Sparta controlled the Peloponnesian League. The war lasted nearly 30 years and ended with Sparta’s victory in 404 BCE.
    • The Battle of Leuctra (371 BCE): Sparta’s power ended when Thebes, with Athens’ support, defeated its army, marking the decline of Sparta’s military strength.
    • Continued Rivalry (4th century BCE): Even after Sparta weakened, Athens and Sparta remained rivals, forming alliances with other city-states. Neither regained their former power.

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    Frequently Asked Questions About Athens and Sparta

    • What were the main differences between Athens and Sparta?

      Athens was known for its focus on democracy, philosophy, and the arts, while Sparta was a militaristic society that emphasised discipline, obedience, and warfare.

    • How were Athens and Sparta governed?

      Athens had a direct democracy where citizens could vote on laws. In contrast, Sparta had a dual monarchy with two kings and a council (Gerousia) that made decisions alongside the Assembly (Apella).

    • What were the roles of men and women in Athens and Sparta?

      In Athens, men were expected to participate in politics and intellectual pursuits, while women had limited rights and were mostly confined to the home. In Sparta, men were trained as soldiers from a young age, and women had more rights, including property ownership and physical training.