city-states
Ancient Greece was made up of hundreds of city-states. Each having its own houses, schools, armies, leaders, and government. Five of the most powerful and popular are Athens, Sparta, Argos, Megara, and Corinth.
Athens
Athens was the capital city-state of Greece. Athens focused mainly on artistic and intellectual achievements. They also wanted to build a strong democracy. A democracy was a type of government where all people share power. Because they were so smart, they used great strategy instead of having a large and powerful army.
Athens was the capital city-state of Greece. Athens focused mainly on artistic and intellectual achievements. They also wanted to build a strong democracy. A democracy was a type of government where all people share power. Because they were so smart, they used great strategy instead of having a large and powerful army.
Sparta
Sparta is the next city-state. Unlike Athens, Sparta focused mainly on their army. They wanted to gain power by winning battles. They started training boys at the age of 7. When they reached the age of 20, they entered the real army and lived in barracks for 10 years. They returned home when they were 30, but had to serve in the army if needed until they were 60. Although they could win battles with their big armies, they had many problems with their government and schools because of their focus mainly
on the army.
Sparta is the next city-state. Unlike Athens, Sparta focused mainly on their army. They wanted to gain power by winning battles. They started training boys at the age of 7. When they reached the age of 20, they entered the real army and lived in barracks for 10 years. They returned home when they were 30, but had to serve in the army if needed until they were 60. Although they could win battles with their big armies, they had many problems with their government and schools because of their focus mainly
on the army.
Argos
Argos was built on a plain. Almost all of Greece was made of mountains so this was a special location. It would be one place where they would be able to grow crops. But it was always very hot in the summer so it was very difficult to grow crops. So they became very active in trade. They invented their own coins to make trade easier. They also wrote music, poetry, and plays to perform in large arenas.
Argos was built on a plain. Almost all of Greece was made of mountains so this was a special location. It would be one place where they would be able to grow crops. But it was always very hot in the summer so it was very difficult to grow crops. So they became very active in trade. They invented their own coins to make trade easier. They also wrote music, poetry, and plays to perform in large arenas.
Megara
Megara was also majorly involved in trading. It was positioned on the coast so it made it easy to export and import goods. They were not big on army skills like the Spartans but would be able to fight if they had to. Although, they would much rather spend time trading and negotiating.
Megara was also majorly involved in trading. It was positioned on the coast so it made it easy to export and import goods. They were not big on army skills like the Spartans but would be able to fight if they had to. Although, they would much rather spend time trading and negotiating.
Corinth
Corinth is the largest of the ancient city-states. It is located on an isthmus. Being located where it is, it’s a good trading location. It had two seaports. This let them trade more and then, were able to earn more money
Corinth is the largest of the ancient city-states. It is located on an isthmus. Being located where it is, it’s a good trading location. It had two seaports. This let them trade more and then, were able to earn more money