Lesson 27: Life in Two City-States: Athens and Sparta

Two of the most important Greek city-states were Athens and Sparta. They had different forms of government. Their citizens also had very different ways of life.

Athens was a walled city near the sea. Close by, ships came and went from a busy port supporting trade. Inside the city walls of Athens, talented master potters and sculptors labored in workshops. Wealthy Athenians and their slaves strolled through the marketplace. Citizenship was enjoyed by free men. Often, the city's citizens gathered to loudly debate the issues of the day.

Sparta was located in a fertile farming area on an inland plain. No walls surrounded the city. Its buildings were simple compared with those of Athens. The same was true about the clothes worn by the people. Spartan soldiers wore stern expressions behind their bronze helmets as they marched in columns through the streets.