Comparison between Sparta and Athens as Described by Pericles

How is Sparta different from Athens, according to Pericles?

1. Spartan troops expect to live in luxury.
2. Spartan soldiers are well paid for their service.
3. Spartans refuse to rely on allies in times of war.
4. Spartans' lives are focused on military training.

Answer:

Sparta and Athens, as described by Pericles, had differences in terms of focus, soldier compensation, and reliance on allies.

Explanation:

According to Pericles, Sparta and Athens had several differences.

• Spartan troops expect to live in luxury. Unlike Athens, where the focus was on intellectual and artistic growth, Sparta valued physical strength and military prowess. This is evident in the expectation of Spartan troops to live in luxury and comfort, as their primary duty was to be warriors.
• Spartan soldiers are well paid for their service. In contrast to Athens, where the soldiers were often impoverished and relied on other sources of income, Spartan soldiers were well compensated for their military service.
• Spartans refuse to rely on allies in times of war. Athens, on the other hand, was known for its reliance on alliances and its pursuit of empire. Sparta took pride in its self-sufficiency and refused to heavily rely on allies during times of war.

Overall, the lives of Spartans were predominantly focused on military training and maintaining a strong army, while Athens prioritized intellectual and artistic development.