Forms of Govt in Sparta and Athens

Compare and contrast how the ideas about government affected the governing of Sparta and Athens. Even in single countries, different regions sometimes have governments that are very similar and at the same time, very different. Such a case occurred in ancient Greece, in the city-states of Sparta and Athens. While Sparta was more based on oligarchy, Athens was a democracy. Their profound differences in rule often caused them to war against each other. These two …

…Greece, Sparta and Athens, were similar and different each to their own advantage, their governments being highly influenced by their ways of life, past experiences, and ideals about how their lives should be run. Bibliography Cheilik, Michael. Ancient History. 2nd ed. New York: Harper. 1969. Freeman, Charles. The Greek Achievement: The Foundation of the Western World. New York: Viking Penguin. 1999. Guy, John. Greek Life. New York: Barron's. 1998. Nardo, Don. Life in Ancient Athens. San Diego: Lucent. 2000.