The Pros And Cons Of Athens

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Being a citizen of either poleis brought with it significant advantages and disadvantages regarding the differing cultures and economies within the societies. Athens is described as the, “most culturally developed city in the Greek world,” (Davison, 4.4) and it is easy to see why with regards to their contributions in poetry, theatre, and art that came as a result of a prosperous economy. One such example being the creation of the Parthenon, in which a nearly forty feet tall gold and ivory statue was constructed of and to honor the goddess Athena. Emphasis on the arts as was previously stated was important to the Athenians, in addition to a long list of philosophical advances most noticeably in the form of Socrates and his concepts of morality …show more content…
However, in the area of women, those in Athens were more restricted than their Spartan counterparts. They were expected to remain home, to birth and raise children, and manage a variety of other mundane tasks. Citizen women were allowed legal privileges and social status, earning respect in their family and religious role. Upper-class women managed their households, visited with family friends, and participated in religious cults. Education was also given increased importance. On the other hand, a Spartan’s life offered a very different experience, an experience focused on war. Cultural activities and events promoted the art of warfare and the glory of Spartans and their victories. Much of daily life was centered around warfare as well, including the helot population that served as slave labor. Helots were collected Greek captives from neighboring and warring areas of Greece. The majority were found to be living in or from the conquered region of Messenia, located to the west of Sparta. At almost all times helots outnumbered the free citizens of Sparta, yet despite this they were still treated severely by their