Athens
* Government: Democracy
* Social structure: Citizens, metics, and slaves
* Economy: Trade and commerce
* Culture: Philosophy, art, and literature
* Military: Hoplite infantry
Sparta
* Government: Oligarchy
* Social structure: Citizens, perioeci, and helots
* Economy: Agriculture
* Culture: Military training and discipline
* Military: Hoplite infantry and cavalry
Comparison
Athens and Sparta were two of the most powerful city-states in ancient Greece. They were very different in terms of their government, social structure, economy, culture, and military.
* Government: Athens was a democracy, while Sparta was an oligarchy. In Athens, all citizens had the right to participate in government. In Sparta, only a small group of citizens had political power.
* Social structure: In Athens, there were three main social classes: citizens, metics, and slaves. Citizens were the only ones who had full rights. Metics were foreigners who lived in Athens but did not have citizenship. Slaves were the lowest class of people. In Sparta, there were two main social classes: citizens and helots. Citizens were the ruling class. Helots were state-owned slaves who worked the land.
* Economy: Athens was a trading and commercial center. Sparta was an agricultural society.
* Culture: Athens was known for its philosophy, art, and literature. Sparta was known for its military training and discipline.
* Military: Athens had a hoplite infantry. Sparta had a hoplite infantry and cavalry.
Contrast
Despite their differences, Athens and Sparta were both important city-states in ancient Greece. They both made significant contributions to Greek culture and civilization.