HASS · Year 7 · Ancient Greece · Term 2

Athens vs. Sparta: A Comparison

Students will compare and contrast the political systems, social structures, and cultural values of Athens and Sparta.

• ACARA Content Descriptions
• AC9H7K03

About This Topic

Athens is famous for inventing 'demokratia' (rule by the people), but it was very different from the democracy we have in Australia today. This topic explores the system of 'direct democracy', where citizens didn't just vote for representatives but actually sat in the Assembly to debate and vote on every law. Students investigate the mechanics of the system, including the use of lots (random selection) for government positions.

A critical part of this study is looking at who was *excluded*. Only adult male citizens could participate, meaning women, enslaved people, and foreign residents (metrics) had no voice. This topic particularly benefits from hands-on, student-centered approaches where students can simulate an Athenian Assembly, experiencing both the power of having a vote and the frustration of being excluded.

Key Questions

1. Compare the educational systems and military training in Athens and Sparta.
2. Analyze how the differing values of Athens and Sparta shaped their societies.
3. Evaluate which city-state offered a 'better' life for its citizens, considering various perspectives.

Learning Objectives

• Compare the political structures and citizen participation in Athens and Sparta.
• Analyze the social hierarchies and roles of different groups within Athenian and Spartan societies.
• Evaluate the cultural values and priorities that influenced Athenian and Spartan daily life.
• Critique the concept of citizenship and exclusion in ancient Athens.

Before You Start

Introduction to Ancient Civilizations

Why: Students need a basic understanding of what ancient civilizations are and how they are studied before comparing specific city-states within one.

Forms of Government

Why: A foundational understanding of different government types, such as monarchy or rule by a few, will help students grasp the concepts of democracy and oligarchy.

Key Vocabulary

Demokratia	An ancient Greek word meaning 'rule by the people', referring to the system of government developed in Athens.
Oligarchy	A form of government in which power is held by a small group of people, characteristic of Sparta.
Citizen	In ancient Athens, a free adult male born to Athenian parents who had political rights and responsibilities.
Helot	A serf or slave in ancient Sparta, bound to the land and forced to work for the state.
Assembly (Ekklesia)	The primary legislative body in ancient Athens, where eligible citizens debated and voted on laws.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Athenian democracy was just like ours today.

What to Teach Instead

It was 'direct', not 'representative', and it excluded the majority of the population. Comparing 'who gets to vote' charts helps students see the massive differences in scale and inclusion.

Common Misconception

Democracy made Athens a peaceful place.

What to Teach Instead

The Assembly often made impulsive decisions to go to war or execute leaders. Simulating a 'heated' debate helps students see that democracy can be messy and sometimes unfair.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game: The Pnyx Assembly

The classroom becomes the Assembly. Students are given a 'token' to vote on a school-related issue. However, only 20% of the class (the 'citizens') are allowed to speak or vote, while the rest must watch in silence, highlighting the limits of Athenian inclusion.

40 min·Whole Class

Think-Pair-Share: Direct vs. Representative

Students compare the Athenian system (everyone votes on everything) with the Australian system (we elect people to vote for us). They discuss with a partner: 'Which one is fairer? Which one is more efficient?'

20 min·Pairs

Inquiry Circle: The Ostracism Vote

Explain the process of 'ostracism', where Athenians could vote to kick out a politician for 10 years. Students write the name of a (fictional) 'dangerous' leader on a piece of pottery (paper) and explain why they think that person should be sent away to protect democracy.

30 min·Small Groups

Real-World Connections

• Debates in local government councils today, like the Sydney City Council, involve elected representatives discussing and voting on laws, similar to how Athenian citizens participated in their Assembly, though with different levels of direct involvement.
• Modern military academies, such as the Royal Military College of Duntroon, train individuals for service and instill discipline, echoing the rigorous military training that was central to Spartan society and its values.

Assessment Ideas

Quick Check

Present students with three short scenarios describing aspects of life (e.g., a woman speaking in public, a young boy training with weapons, a man voting on a law). Ask students to identify which city-state, Athens or Sparta, each scenario most likely belongs to and briefly explain their reasoning.

Discussion Prompt

Facilitate a class discussion using the prompt: 'Imagine you are a young person living in either Athens or Sparta. Based on what we have learned, would you prefer to live in Athens or Sparta? Explain your choice by referencing at least two specific aspects of life in that city-state.'

Exit Ticket

On an exit ticket, ask students to write one key difference between the political systems of Athens and Sparta and one key similarity between their social structures, providing a brief explanation for each.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Athenian democracy work?

Any male citizen could attend the Assembly (the Pnyx), where they would debate and vote on laws by a show of hands. Most government officials were chosen by 'lot' (randomly) rather than being elected, to ensure fairness.

Who was allowed to vote in Athens?

Only free, adult men who were born in Athens to Athenian parents. This meant that women, slaves, and foreigners, who made up about 80-90% of the population, could not participate in the government.

How can active learning help students understand democracy?

By running a mock assembly, students experience the 'direct' nature of Athenian voting. They feel the weight of their own voice and, more importantly, the impact of excluding others. This makes the concept of 'citizenship' a lived experience rather than a definition in a book.

What was 'ostracism'?

It was a safeguard for democracy. Once a year, citizens could vote to exile any person they thought was becoming too powerful or a threat to the city. The person had to leave for 10 years, but they kept their property.