What was spartas economy

The economic strength that Athens drew from trade rested on its system of tribute payment. States affiliated with Athens were required in most cases to pay tribute to Athens, money that Athens then poured into building and manning its warships. Military tribute became an increasingly important economic asset, funding more than just the navy. Under the direction of Pericles , a small percentage of military tribute was used for public works within Athens as well as for general welfare projects.

From a poor resource base Athens developed an impressive economic system of trade and tribute. Unlike Athens, Sparta was settled in a reasonably fertile area, sufficient for supporting its population. Thucydides tells us that fertile lands were under constant threat of attack, since they represented a critical economic asset. In response to this threat, Sparta, therefore, developed a strong army to protect its farmlands from opponents.

Again, geography played a role in the development of basic domestic structures. Since Spartan survival depended on having an army that could ward off frequent attack, the Spartans developed an economic system that would support military training. In fact, Spartan society revolved around a warrior class that was relieved of day-to-day work so that it could focus exclusively on training for war.

Since this class represented the most able-bodied men in Spartan society, the economic question was who would work the fields to supply Sparta with food and other products. The answer was forced labor. Sparta had a slave-based economy. The laborers included people who had been defeated in battle by Sparta's army, as well as local native Greeks called Helots. These slaves cultivated enough produce to support Sparta's military society. In about b. To contemporaries outside of Sparta, Spartan women had a reputation for promiscuity and controlling their husbands.

Unlike their Athenian counterparts, Spartan women could legally own and inherit property and they were usually better educated. Begin typing your search term above and press enter to search. Press ESC to cancel. Ben Davis May 8, How were the economies of Athens and Sparta different? What was the Athens economy like?

Which is a better place to live Athens or Sparta? Why was Sparta economically inferior to Athens? Was Athens richer than Sparta? What are 3 things that were traded in the city-states? What made the economy in Athens so good? How did Athenians get the goods they needed for everyday life? Why did Athens trade with other city states? Why did Greek city states have strong economies? What did Greek city states have in common? What did Sparta use to control citizens? What was the main reason that Athens and Sparta fought the Peloponnesian War?

Who won the war between Athens and Sparta? Does it matter if you side with Athens or Sparta? What killed Sparta? Who yelled This is Sparta? While Athens was a democracy, it only allowed men to vote. Women in Athens were not seen as citizens. Athenian citizens, any man over the age of 18 and born in Athens, were encouraged to take part in the government and attend the assemblies.

Sparta was an oligarchy , which means only a few individuals held the power. Once elected, the officials held their position for life. Only male members of the nobility were able to be elected officials. Both the governments of Athens and Sparta were responsible for the day-to-day laws and governing of the citizens. Sparta took the land they needed from their neighbors and encouraged military power. Sparta discouraged trade because it was afraid contact with other city-states would lead to new ideas and weaken the government.

In addition, Sparta used heavy iron bars rather than coins, which made trade difficult. Athens encouraged trade with its neighbors because it was unable to produce the food needed for all the people. Athenians traded in a large marketplace called an agora , using coins to make trade easier. Both city-states educated their citizens in order to become productive members of society.