Ancient Greece
Session 1: Ancient Athens and Sparta

Materials

• Class notes (see bolded text in Instructional Activities below)
• Overhead projector (optional)
• Teacher-selected reading, worksheet, or activity

Instructional Activities

NOTE: The following Web resources may be helpful in teaching this session:
“Draco’s and Solon’s Laws.” “Draco’s and Solon’s Laws.” <http://history-world.org/solon.htm>.
“Ancient Greece: Sparta.” <http://www.wsu.edu:8080/~dee/GREECE/SPARTA.HTM>.

1. Review content covered to this point in the unit.
   
   
2. Explain that the social structure of ancient Greek cities differed. Athens had a more democratic system, while Sparta provided a more rigid social structure.
   
   
3. Place the following notes on the board or overhead:
   
   Athens’ government followed an evolution from a monarchy, an aristocracy, and a tyranny, to a democracy.
   
   Ensure that students understand the difference between these four types of government.
   
   
4. Place the following notes on the board or overhead:
   
   Draco and Solon were tyrants who worked for reform in Athens.
   
   Provide a brief background on these two men (see the Web site above on “Draco’s and Solon’s Laws”).
   
   
5. Place the following notes on the board or overhead:
   
   Classical Athens’ democratic system became a foundation for modern democracies, even though not everyone was allowed to participate in the decision-making.
   
   Democratic principles that developed out of Athens include the following:
   •    Direct democracy
   •    Public debate
   •    Duties of the citizen
   
   
6. Using the textbook and other resources, provide a brief background of the social structure of Athens. Include the roles of women and slaves and the process for decision-making. Place the following notes on the board or overhead:
        
   Free adult males had political rights and the responsibility of civic participation in government.
   
   Women and foreigners had political rights.
   
   Slaves had no political rights.
   
   
7. Explain that Sparta’s government differed from Athens in that Sparta’s government:
   •    was an oligarchy (rule by a small group).
   •    had a rigid social structure.
   •    was a militaristic and aggressive society.
   
   Briefly explain the society of Sparta. The “Ancient Greece: Sparta” Web site listed above may be of assistance in preparing this explanation.
   
   
8. Assign a teacher-selected reading, worksheet, or other reinforcement activity, using available teacher resources.