Education
Athen Education
Athenian democracy was all about having good citizens. They mainly believed that producing good citizens was the purpose of education. Boys and girls were educated differently, basically because only grew up to be taught differently. Athens took life seriously and thought that a good citizen was somebody with a sharp mind and a healthy body they did physical training and book learning. At age 6 or 7, boys were to be taught at home by their mothers or slaves. Then from age 6 to 14, boys went to school. They were taught reading, writing, arithmetic, and literature. All books were very rare and expensive to be purchased so teachers read their books aloud so boys needed to memorize many things. To aid them in memorizing things, they wrote on writing tablets. Coaches taught sports like wrestling and gymnastics to strengthen the boys' muscle. At 18, men were trained for military. Then, after their service, the wealthy men would study with private teachers which would cost a lot of money. The lessons would mainly focus on debate and public speaking to aid men to become better speakers. Some girls did not learn to read or write. The purpose for this was because they stayed around the house to clean, cook, spin thread, and weave cloth. Some were taught secret songs and dances for religious events.
Sparta Education
The purpose for their education was to raise men and women to protect their city-state. So if they noticed a baby was not born properly and strong, they were to be left on a hillside to die. They valued discipline and strength. At age 7, boys were trained to fight. Girls also received some of the military training. Boys were taught wrestling, boxing, foot racing, and gymnastics. They left their homes to train and lived in barracks. They were also taught to read and write but they did not take it as seriously. What was important to them was to be a brave soldier. They were taught to suffer pain so they marched without shoes, not fed healthy, and were encouraged to steal food. At age 20, Spartan men were tested of fitness, military ability, and leadership skills. And if they passed, they were to become soldiers and full citizens.
The purpose for their education was to raise men and women to protect their city-state. So if they noticed a baby was not born properly and strong, they were to be left on a hillside to die. They valued discipline and strength. At age 7, boys were trained to fight. Girls also received some of the military training. Boys were taught wrestling, boxing, foot racing, and gymnastics. They left their homes to train and lived in barracks. They were also taught to read and write but they did not take it as seriously. What was important to them was to be a brave soldier. They were taught to suffer pain so they marched without shoes, not fed healthy, and were encouraged to steal food. At age 20, Spartan men were tested of fitness, military ability, and leadership skills. And if they passed, they were to become soldiers and full citizens.