Source Analysis_ Comparing Athens and Sparta (1)

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Source Analysis: Comparing Athens and Sparta Nicholas Anton Southern New Hampshire University HIST 222 May 4th, 2024 Professor: Dr. Eric B. Greisinger
Xenophon, a celebrated Greek scholar and warrior, provides a unique perspective on Sparta in his text "On the Spartans." Xenophon focuses on Sparta's military mastery and attributes Spartan success to their unique approach to society. During Pericles' Funeral Oration, the Athenian statesman and leader praises the virtues of Athens, highlighting the characteristics that have shaped the city's society. The Greek historian Thucydides presents Pericles' speech as a description of the ideals upheld by Athenian democracy. Sparta was designed to cultivate a military-focused society that emphasizes discipline and physical strength. According to this source, Spartan society places its priorities solely on the upbringing of its children and the strength of its military. Emphasizing heavy importance on women producing children stating “the PRODUCTION OF CHILDREN WAS THE NOBLEST DUTY OF THE FREE” 1 . Spartan ideals according to Xenophon. Focus heavily on discipline, and structure, seemingly neglecting other aspects of society such as education, hobbies and politics. Children from a young age were bred to protect sparta…"He taught the children from a desire to render them more dexterous in securing provisions, and better qualified for warfare.” 2 Xenophon praises the Spartans for their bravery, integrity, and willingness to sacrifice for the greater good. Sparta's emphasis on military might and discipline is also evident in their social structures. Xenophon describes the Spartan education system, which emphasizes discipline and obedience from a young age. “He also assigned some of the grown-up boys as ‘whip-bearers’ so that they might inflict whatever punishment was necessary (on younger boys), so that the great dread of DISGRACE, and great willingness to obey, prevailed among them” 3 Sparta's focus on military prowess comes at the expense of certain virtues. Xenophon criticizes the Spartans for 3 1. Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Prof. John P. Adams, Xenophon on the Spartans, accessed May 17, 2024, http://www.csun.edu/~hcfll004/sparta-a.html. 2 1. Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Prof. John P. Adams, Xenophon on the Spartans, accessed May 17, 2024, http://www.csun.edu/~hcfll004/sparta-a.html. 1 1. Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Prof. John P. Adams, Xenophon on the Spartans, accessed May 17, 2024, http://www.csun.edu/~hcfll004/sparta-a.html.
their disregard for artistic and intellectual pursuits. He suggests that Sparta's emphasis on military training and discipline leaves little room for intellectual pursuits or other forms of artistic expression. In terms of unstated strengths, Xenophon does not address the Athenians' emphasis on education and artistic pursuits. Spartan ideals were heavily rooted in military might and loyalty to its army, while neglecting many aspects of living. According to Thucydides, Athens emphasizes the importance of education, knowledge, and artistic pursuits, rather than just the building and conditioning of their military. Pericles praises the Athenians' dedication to learning and cultivates a culture where every Athenian citizen can access education. This emphasis on education, Pericles argues, strengthens the Athenian society and prepares its citizens for the challenges of war. Athens also values artistic excellence and the pursuit of beauty. Pericles praises the Athenians' commitment to art, mentioning the numerous artistic achievements and the cultural festivals that attract artists from far and wide. “Further, we provide plenty of means for the mind to refresh itself from business. We celebrate games and sacrifices all the year round, and the elegance of our private establishments forms a daily source of pleasure and helps to banish the spleen; while the magnitude of our city draws the produce of the world into our harbour, so that to the Athenian the fruits of other countries are as familiar a luxury as those of his own.” 4 Furthermore, the importance of bravery is highlighted by Pericles. He praises the Athenians' willingness to sacrifice their lives for the greater good and emphasizes the city's resilience during wars. Pericles argues that these qualities are essential for a successful society and a strong defense against external threats. “where our rivals from their very cradles by a painful discipline seek after manliness, at Athens we live exactly as we please, and yet are just as ready to encounter every 4 1. “Thucydides, the Peloponnesian War, Book 2,” Funeral Oration of Pericles, accessed May 17, 2024, http://academics.wellesley.edu/ClassicalStudies/CLCV102/Thucydides--FuneralOration.html.
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