Comparison

Societal Focus: Athens celebrated art, music, and drama. While it also had a slave population, Athens is famously known as the birthplace of democracy. Political struggles in Athens were centered around conflicts between aristocrats and common citizens, leading to unprecedented political experiments.

Political Structure : Athens went through a series of political struggles and compromises between aristocrats and common citizens. Solon's reforms aimed to mitigate social divides, introducing the concept of an impersonal state obeying written laws. Athens eventually evolved into the first "real" democracy under Cleisthenes

Military Training and Social Practices:  Athens did not focus on militaristic training to the same degree. While citizens had the responsibility of military service, the emphasis was not as extreme as in Sparta. Solon's reforms in Athens aimed at addressing social and economic disparities rather than solely military discipline.

Economic and Social Disparities: Athens faced conflicts over wealth distribution among its citizens, prompting political experiments. Solon's reforms addressed issues of debt and debt-slavery, attempting to create a more balanced society. However, Athens still had inequalities, with only a percentage of the population having political rights.

Gender Roles: Athenian women were excluded from political life, and societal norms limited their roles. Despite advancements in democracy, Athens did not grant women the same level of freedom and participation as Spartan women enjoyed.

Societal Focus: Sparta's society was an extreme experiment in militarism, emphasizing a super-elite citizenship of warriors. The entire culture revolved around military training, discipline, and the subjugation of helots, forming a hierarchical society rooted in the fear of a slave uprising.

Political Structure: Sparta operated as an aristocratic monarchy with two kings ruling over councils. Citizenship was limited to men who underwent rigorous military training, and decision-making involved councils approving or rejecting laws proposed by smaller councils.

Military Training and Social Practices:Spartan culture was characterized by extreme militarism. Boys underwent intense military training from the age of seven, subjected to beatings to instill discipline and fearlessness. Marriage, courtship, and even acquiring nourishment were designed to test Spartans' skills and discipline.

Economic and Social Disparities: Spartan society was a slave society with helots making up around 90% of the population. The fear of helot uprisings influenced every aspect of Spartan life, and despite military successes, Sparta was reluctant to engage in extended wars.

Gender Roles: Spartan women had a relatively more liberated status compared to women in other Greek poleis. They were trained in war, could own land, speak publicly, and participate in athletics. This greater freedom was likely due to the social necessity arising from men living in barracks until the age of 30.