Did you know that the Greek civilizations of Athens and Sparta are actually very different even though they are both located in Greece? The civilizations of Greece of Athens and Sparta are very different, geographically, socially, politically and educationally. To introduce my essay to you, I will first start talking about the geographical comparisons between Athens and Sparta. First, I will compare and contrast the geography between Athens and Sparta. Communicating was very difficult for this city-state due to its mountainous and rocky terrain. This is what causes these communities to isolate themselves from each other. Athens was found on a hill below the Acropolis (the hill above a Greek city, on which temples were built). Athens had a lot of trouble traveling by land, otherwise they thought of a better idea; building ports for water travel. However, Sparta was not very close to the coast, so they had more travel and communication problems. Sparta was located south of Athens, closer to central Greece. Even in those days people sent letters, but due to geographical features, it took a long time to deliver a letter. As you know, we have all heard about agriculture and trade, but why would people do that in Greece? As I told you before, Athens and Sparta have different ways of living, so they use these methods to get food. Athens has water but not such good soil to grow crops while Sparta has fertilized soil, but not enough space. Athens used its ports to trade with other city-states such as; Phoenicia, Asia; Egypt, Africa; Carthage, Africa; Italy, Europe; Macedonia, Europe; and in other places in Greece. However, in Sparta they are more dependent on agriculture, although it is a rocky place; for this r...... half of the paper ......they were both independent. Athens practiced democracy (a form of government in which power was held by the citizens and all freedmen could share in it). Athens was the first to practice this form of government. Meanwhile, Sparta practiced oligarchy (in which the dominant power is held by a few people), in this case by two kings. Athens began democracy around 500 BC Sparta began ruling as an oligarchy around 800 BC In conclusion, even though both are in Greece, it is easy to find differences and similarities. I chose these particular ideas because I thought they could tell you a lot about these places. The civilizations of Greece of Athens and Sparta are very different, geographically, socially, politically and educationally. I hope my essay has explained the purpose of this essay to you, telling you about the comparisons between the civilizations of Athens and Sparta.