Where would be a better place to live: Ancient Athens or Sparta?

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Selected claim, opposing its parent

Even though they had more freedoms than the average Greek woman at the time, Spartan women could not aspire beyond motherhood.

Pros

Cons

  • Pro claim 1

    The law reforms of Lycurgus prioritised a woman's duty toward motherhood.

  • Con claim 1

    In preparation for motherhood, Spartan girls received beneficial education and training, even in physical pursuits like javelin and discus throwing, dance, and gymnastics.

  • Con claim 2, children below

    Athenian women were also expected to bear children. Their status as a woman, or 'gyne', was tied to whether or not they had yet had children.