The document summarizes aspects of Spartan and Athenian society in ancient Greece. Sparta was a military state that conquered neighboring peoples and turned them into helots, or serfs. Spartan society emphasized military training and discipline from a young age. In contrast, Athens developed into a democracy in the 5th century BC under the reforms of Cleisthenes, with all male citizens able to participate in debate and voting on laws. However, Athenian women and slaves had limited rights and roles in society.
12. Spartan Women Only in Sparta did girls receive public education in other city-states most women were completely illiterate.
13. Only in Sparta were girls allowed to engage in sport . Only in Sparta did women possess economic power and influence. Scandalized observers from other Greek cities commented that not only did Spartan women have opinions they were not afraid to voice in public, AND their husbands actually listened to them!
