In the transition between the Homeric and Archaic periods, we have a gradual process of disintegration of the gentile communities and the emergence of the first Greek polis. Over the years, this type of sociopolitical unit came to characterize the profile of all of Ancient Greece. Independent of each other, mainly due to communication difficulties, these city-states ended up taking on characteristics that deepened their differences.
To exemplify this type of situation, we usually take the cities of Sparta and Athens as a model capable of clearly showing the rich cultural, religious, political and economic mosaic of the world Greek. Starting with its origins, we can see that while the Spartans descended from the Doric warriors, the Athenians originate from the peoples responsible for the formation of the traditional Creto-Mycenaean civilization.
From an economic point of view, the Athenians took advantage of their geographical position to develop an intense maritime trade with the colonies established in the Mediterranean and in Asia Minor. The need for commercial development was also linked to the limited availability of fertile land throughout its domains. In Sparta, the great availability of land and the aversion to foreigners provided a self-sufficient agricultural activity and a very restricted trade.
Regarding political institutions, we see that initially these two city-states privileged the domain of the local aristocracy. However, the Athenians established a series of reforms that would give rise to a government of a democratic character. In contrast, Sparta had its power divided between two kings (Diarchy) who dealt with military and religious matters. At the same time, there were also two assemblies (Gerúsia and Ápela) where they discussed and organized the city's laws.
The education of the Greeks and Spartans was quite different in terms of the ends that each of them took. The Spartans saw education as an important stage for citizens to internalize militaristic values and the rigorous physical training of young people. In Athens, education was a privilege for those who were able to pay for the services of a private teacher. The Athenians sought to achieve a balance between the body and mind of each individual.
Regarding the role played by women, we also observe another interesting distinction between Spartans and Athenians. In Sparta, the woman being responsible for generating individuals prepared for combat, they had a rigorous education and took the lead in domestic matters and participated in the assemblies. The Athenians, on the other hand, believed that a woman should not meddle in the male world, with activities linked to the home being reserved for her.
Through these characteristics, it is possible to see that Ancient Greece was an aggregating region of a complex web of cultures. When we realize the differences between Spartans and Athenians, we are able to understand that the Greeks cannot be seen as part of a kind of nation. Despite sharing some customs and traditions, the Greeks did not make Hellas a place with uniform features.
By Rainer Sousa
Graduated in History
Source: Brazil School - https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/historiag/esparta-atenas.htm