Question

If you had the choice to live in Athens or Sparta, which one would you choose and why?

400 words or more

Answer 1

I would choose Sparta over Athens due to many reasons.
•   Women had education rights, they could own property, and could get divorced which kept them at par with their male counterparts.
•   Women were taught to fight and defend their property in the absence of their husbands who were away most of the time. They were to take part in wrestling and running.
•   Spartan army was far superior to the Athens being fierce and protective, its army was brave and strong who could give tough times to their enemies.
•   Girls had much more freedom as compared to those living in Athens.
•   They used to train boys at the age of seven so that they become fierce fighters upon reaching adulthood.
•   These young boys would then fight for the country until the age of sixty and were always ready for the war and defense.
•   It is due to this fact that Sparta was one of the safest cities were one could live in peace and prosperity
•   Spartan girls received formal training sports and self-defense as it was believed that it helped them to become better and stronger mother.
•   The women could run their own business and could buy property which was a rare case in those times. On the other hand it was not possible for women in Athens to indulge in her own business and have her own property.
•   Daughters and sons were treated and respected equally as daughters were not seen as disgrace.
•   Girls were having much more freedom regarding their marriage, they were married at a much higher age as compared to those living in Athens.
•   There citizens were treated equally as none was superior.
•   Physical fitness was given much attention regardless of the sex.