Athenian Education
Athenians believed that producing good citizens was the main purpose of education.Since only boys grew up to be citizens, boys and girls were educated quite differently.
Athenians believed that a good citizen should have a sharp mind and a healthy body. So education involved both physical training along with book learning. Until around 6 or 7, boys were taught at home by either their mother or male slaves. From ages 6 to 14, boys went to school. They were taught reading, writing, arithmetic, and literature. Books were rare, so every subject was read out loud and the boys had to memorize everything. They also were taught such sports as wrestling and gymnastics, and also learn how to sing and play instruments.
At 18, Athenian men began their military training. After they had served, some men continued their education by hiring private teachers.
Girls in Athens did not learn to read or write. They grew up helping their mothers around the house and were taught how to cook, clean, spin thread, and weave cloth.
Athenians believed that a good citizen should have a sharp mind and a healthy body. So education involved both physical training along with book learning. Until around 6 or 7, boys were taught at home by either their mother or male slaves. From ages 6 to 14, boys went to school. They were taught reading, writing, arithmetic, and literature. Books were rare, so every subject was read out loud and the boys had to memorize everything. They also were taught such sports as wrestling and gymnastics, and also learn how to sing and play instruments.
At 18, Athenian men began their military training. After they had served, some men continued their education by hiring private teachers.
Girls in Athens did not learn to read or write. They grew up helping their mothers around the house and were taught how to cook, clean, spin thread, and weave cloth.
Spartan Education
In Sparta, they believed the purpose of education was to produce men and women who could protect Sparta. Spartans valued discipline and strength. Starting at the age of 7, all Spartan children were trained to fight. Even girls received a little military training. They all learned wrestling, boxing, running, and gymnastics. Spartan boys lived and trained in buildings called barracks.
Spartan boys were taught to suffer any amount of physical pain without complaining. They marched without shoes. They were not fed well, and they were encouraged to steal food as long as they did not get caught.
At the age of 20, Spartan men were given a difficult test of fitness, military ability, and leadership skills. If they passed, they would then become Spartan soldiers and also full citizens.
Spartan boys were taught to suffer any amount of physical pain without complaining. They marched without shoes. They were not fed well, and they were encouraged to steal food as long as they did not get caught.
At the age of 20, Spartan men were given a difficult test of fitness, military ability, and leadership skills. If they passed, they would then become Spartan soldiers and also full citizens.
Click on this link for another way to learn about the education systems of both cities. Pay attention to the life of a baby in Sparta,what was the father given if he had a healthy son? : http://www.ancientgreece.co.uk/dailylife/story/sto_set.html