* Both were city-states. Athens and Rome were both independent city-states with their own political and economic systems.
* Both were centers of culture and learning. Athens was home to the world's first university, the Academy, while Rome was home to many important schools of philosophy and rhetoric.
* Both were major military powers. Athens and Rome both conquered large empires and were some of the most powerful states in the ancient world.
* Both had a significant impact on Western civilization. Athenian culture and philosophy laid the foundation for much of Western thought, while Roman law and political systems have been used as models for governments around the world.
Differences
* Athens was a democracy, while Rome was a republic. Athenian citizens had direct say in the running of the government, while Roman citizens elected representatives to run the government.
* Athens was more focused on culture and art, while Rome was more focused on military and political power. The Athenians made significant contributions to literature, philosophy, and art, while the Romans were more focused on building up their empire and governing it effectively.
* Athens declined gradually over time, while Rome fell suddenly. Athens was conquered by the Romans in 146 BC, but it continued to be a center of culture and learning for several centuries afterward. Rome, on the other hand, went into a steep decline and eventually fell to the Germanic tribes in the 5th century AD.