Comparing Athens and Sparta:
Where Would You Rather Live, and Why?
Source: PBS.org

| ATHENS | SPARTA | Population & Map | Approximately 140,000; Approximately 40,000 men were citizens; and slaves (about 40,000). By 432 BC, Athens had become the most populous city-state in Hellas. In Athens and Attica, there were at least 150,000 Athenians, around 50,000 aliens, and more than 100,000 slaves. | Approximately 8,000 Spartiates (adult male citizens) ruled over a population of 100,000 enslaved and semi-enslaved people. | Government & Political organizations | Athenian GovernmentUsually classified as a "direct democracy" (because everyone, not just politicians attended the Assembly), Athens claims to be the "birthplace of democracy".Elected officials including 10 generals (strategos), magistrates (archons), and others.Council of 500 was charged with administering decisions made by the Assembly.The Assembly open to all citizens (all citizens were eligible to attend such meetings and speak up). They passed laws and made policy decisions. The Assembly met on the Hill of the Pnyx at the foot of the Acropolis.During time of Pericles citizens were paid for jury service so not only the wealthy could participate.Women did not participate in the political life of Athens. | Spartan Government:Usually classified as an "oligarchy" (rule by a few), but it had elements of monarchy (rule by kings), democracy (through the election of council/senators), and aristocracy (rule by the upper class or land owning class).Two kings who were generals in command of the armies and with some religious duties.Five overseers (ephors) elected annually ran the day-to-day operations of Sparta. They could veto rulings made by the council or assembly.Council or Senate(apella) of 28 councilmen (men over 60 and elected for life by the citizens) and the 2 kings. They acted as judges and