; Solon, the man who encouraged trade and the popular assembly’s ratification of laws, creating an oligarchic plutocratic democracy in 594 B.C.E. ; Peisistratus, a military hero helped kick the noble class out in 560 B.C.E. ; and Cleisthenes, who helped the popular assembly to be capable of making laws in 507 B.C.E. After these changes, Hellenistic Athens simply ended up with what we usually classify as a “limited democracy.” Sparta, however, remained constant with a diarchy; one king specialized in the military issues, while the other king ruled the nation. After the kings, the greatest amounts of powers were given to the Five Ephers.
Rome`s government was organized into executive and legislative branches, both of these branches were under patrician control. The executive branch was headed by two patrician officials, called consuls, elected for one-year terms. The legislative branch consisted of the Assembly of Centuries and the Senate. However, the Senate had much more power because they advised the consuls. In my opinion, this government wasn’t very fair because not everyone had the chance to voice their opinion.
Every boy was required to be a part of the military, and even the women were given minimal military training. This is yet another example of Sparta's militarily-based rigid society. Sparta had an oligarchy government, and was usually governed by two kings. These two kings were always men, and typically generals who commanded major Spartan armies in the past. One usually stayed back whilst the other went to fight wars, so that at least one person will always be available to lead the great city-state.
Compare and Contrast Athens and Sparta Culturally and Politically Essay Matias Antezana P.2 1/14/13 The two rivals of ancient Greece that made the most historical information and gave us the most traditions were Athens and Sparta. They were close together on a map, yet far apart in what they valued and how they lived their lives. One of the main ways they were similar was in their form of government. Both Athens and Sparta had an Assembly, whose members were elected by the people. Sparta was ruled by two kings, who ruled until they died or were forced out of office.
At the time of democratic Athens a very influential figure took the chance of becoming a king in a democratic society, Pericles in some ways he achieved what he set out to do, Pericles had a great influence on the Athenian democracy, a great example of his influence is his funeral oration or his famed building programme. Athens may have let a power hungry noble slip through its wise fingers but Athens would never let an inferior get close to partaking in political ‘meetings.’ Athenian
Athens and Sparta had different ideas of getting along with the rest of the Greek societies and empires. Sparta seemed to be content with themselves and had no problem providing their army whenever required to other Greek empires if needed during a time of conflict. That is why it considered itself as the protector of the Greek people. On the other hand, Athens wanted to take control of more and more land in Greece, possibly even control of the world. This idea eventually led to war between the Greeks.
Of all the great city-states (poleis) of Ancient Greece, the two most popular are Sparta and Athens. While there were advantages to be had with their respective styles of government, economics, military, and society, there were distinct disadvantages to be had as well. The Spartan form of government was that of an oligarchy; a state in which power is held by a small group. There would be five elected officials and two “kings” who inherited their positions, who made all of the decisions regarding the welfare of the state. The land-owning citizens were permitted to attend these government sessions but were not were allowed to voice their opinions.
The great Athenian Empire was formed through the important actions of individuals and events. Whilst no one individual can take the credit for the formation on the Empire; certainly influential people such as Themistocles, Aristides, Cimon, Pausanius, Miltiades and Pericles all play very important roles in the formation of the Athenian Empire. Other factors, such as the coastal Greek states choosing Athens (contrary to Thucydides’ belief) over Sparta and the Persian threat helped keep the allies in line and enabled Athens to steadily take over. Whether it be through political reforms or military campaigns, these individuals played a crucial part in the formation of the powerful Athenian Empire. When assessing the individuals during the pentacontaetia, it seems logical to start with Miltiades.
He even spoke out at a funeral for Athenian soldiers who died in the battle, and explained that the survival of Athenian democracy depended on this war. This very speech was one of the greatest highlights of his life as a democrat, as it displayed his leadership and dedication to his people, and it showed how much he believed in democracy and how important it is to a successful nation. In this speech, he states that the power of the country does not come strictly from the government, but of the country as a whole, as the citizens of the country make up almost the entire population. He believed that every person is equal, and their contribution in democracy should not be influenced by the person’s class, but rather the person’s abilities. He also believed that no one’s contribution to the democracy should be effected as a result of their poverty.
The differences would be the systems of farming, political way of life, and urban planning. The most important and main difference is the political way of life. In Ancient Egypt they had a Pharaoh that ruled over all of Egypt. He was the supreme leader, chosen or in a blood-line that possessed almost godly status and power. The subjects worshipped the Pharaoh and were all united under him or, in a few rare cases her.