Ancient Greek Governance: Athens vs. Sparta

Flashcards testing key concepts, definitions, and essay outline comparisons between Athenian Democracy and Spartan Oligarchy based on lecture notes.

Who qualified as a citizen under the concept of citizen (Borgerbegrepet) in Athens?

Only free adult native males (+18) who completed military service were citizens.

What was the Popular Assembly (Folkeforsamling / Ekklesia) in Athens?

The main decision-making body in Athens where citizens gathered to vote on laws and policies.

How is the Phalanx (Falangs) defined in military strategy (Krigsstrategi)?

A tightly packed formation of hoplite soldiers using overlapping shields and long spears.

What was Ostracism (Ostrakisme) in Athens and what was its primary function?

An annual voting process in Athens where citizens could exile a dangerous politician for 10 years to prevent tyranny.

How were women, slaves, and foreign residents (metoikoi) treated in Athenian politics?

They were excluded from politics; women had no political rights and stayed in domestic roles, while slaves and foreign residents (metoikoi) had no political power.

What were the rights and roles of Spartan women and Helots in Spartan society?

Spartan women enjoyed more physical freedom, ownership rights, and managed estates while men trained for war; enslaved populations (Helots) performed all agricultural work under harsh oppression.

Why is Antiquity considered the "cradle of democracy"?

Because Athens introduced the revolutionary idea that citizens should directly govern themselves without a king.

How is Direct Democracy defined within the Athenian democratic system?

A system where citizens voted directly on laws in the Popular Assembly (Ekklesia).

What percentage of the total population had political rights in Athenian democracy?

Only 10-15% of the total population had political rights, demonstrating that power distribution was still highly unequal.

How was the government of Sparta structured in contrast to Athenian democracy?

Sparta was an Oligarchy ruled by 2 kings and a Council of Elders (Gerousia).

How did societal values and priorities differ between Athens and Sparta?

Athens prioritized civic debate and trade, while Sparta prioritized military strength, discipline, and the Phalanx.

What was the fundamental difference in power distribution between Athens and Sparta?

Athens distributed power among male citizens, whereas Sparta restricted power to a warrior elite.

What modern foundational concepts originated from Athenian democracy despite its exclusions?

It laid the foundational concepts of representation and civic participation used in modern democracies.