Ancient Athens and Sparta: Freedom Compared

At the end of the Archaic Era in Greece, Athens and Sparta were distinguished by the role played by people in government. Each city-state emerged from the Dark Age of Greece facing the familiar challenges of over population and resource scarcity. The methodologies in dealing with these issues reflected in the Spartan and Athenian governing styles. Sparta sought to dominate its neighbors and consolidate power in the hands of a few elites. Athens saw opportunity in inclusion and found a way to enfranchise its male citizenry. Each defined itself as the freest amongst the Greeks. When comparing their systems of governance and personal liberties, it is clear that the citizens of Athens possessed the broadest level of freedom and the citizens of Sparta possessed the most absolute freedom. Ancient Spartans exercised their freedom under the leadership of an oligarchy. Derived from fourteenth century French and ancient Greek, meaning government by the few, power was concentrated in Sparta.<a href="https://medium.com/@mikeyucuis/ancient-athens-and-sparta-freedom-compared-3e46afd694a7#_ftn1" rel="noopener ugc nofollow">[1]</a> In fact, only thirty-five individuals ruled the city-state and its territory with an iron fist. In ancient times, Sparta had two kings who shared power. <a href="https://medium.com/@mikeyucuis/ancient-athens-and-sparta-freedom-compared-3e46afd694a7">Click Here</a>