Athens and Sparta were two of the main Greek city-states in 6th century B.C. Athens was a very intellectual and cultural city while, in contrast, Sparta was rigidly disciplined and militaristic. Athens wanted a strong well-structured government while Sparta focused on a strong military. The two could have combined efforts and had a well rounded society but because of their different values, ways of living, and constant fighting Athens and Sparta did not work together to form the greatly admired Hellenic culture.

Athens was the intellectual center of Greece while Sparta was considered the center of military power. The values of these two cites varied greatly. Athenians treasured their wealth and enjoyed learning poetry, ethics, philosophy and even sports but Spartans were taught to endure hardship and live plain, unadorned lives. While the Athenians enjoyed pleasured lives with many luxuries and luscious food the Spartans were trained...