Q1.

STATE AND EXPLAIN THE DIFFERENT BETWEEN SPARTA AND ATHENIAN SYSTEM OF
EDUCATION
The education systems in Sparta and Athens differed significantly due to their distinct
cultural values and social structures.
1. Focus on physical training vs. intellectual development:
- Sparta: In Sparta, education was primarily centered around physical training and
military preparation. Boys were educated from the age of 7 in military camps called
“agoge” where they were subjected to rigorous physical training, taught discipline,
endurance, and warfare skills. Intellectual and artistic pursuits took a backseat to
physical strength and military prowess.
- Athens: In Athens, education emphasized intellectual development. Boys received a
well-rounded education called “paideia,” which included reading, writing, mathematics,
music, and athletics. However, physical training was not as intense or significant as in
Sparta.
2. Different objectives of education:
- Sparta: The main goal of Spartan education was to produce strong, disciplined warriors
who would be dedicated to the needs of the state. The focus was on creating a military
force capable of defending Sparta and maintaining control over the helot (slave)
population.
- Athens: Athenian education aimed to produce well-rounded individuals who would be
active citizens and contribute to the advancement of society. Athenians valued the arts,
literature, and philosophy, seeking to nurture citizens capable of critical thinking, civic
engagement, and cultural appreciation.
3. Treatment of girls and women in education:
- Sparta: Spartan girls received formal education, which was unique compared to other
Greek city-states. The education focused on physical fitness, discipline, and combat
training. Girls engaged in sports, gymnastics, and some military training. The primary
aim was to produce physically strong and healthy women to bear and raise resilient
Spartan warriors.
- Athens: The education of women in Athens was quite limited. Girls received basic
instruction at home, focusing mainly on domestic skills like managing households and
childcare. Intellectual education was largely reserved for boys. Athenian women were
expected to be wives and mothers, playing a supportive role in society rather than
participating in public affairs.

Overall, while both Sparta and Athens had education systems tailored to serve their
respective needs, Sparta emphasized physical training and military preparedness, while
Athens placed a greater emphasis on intellectual development and the cultivation of
cultural and civic virtues.
Q2. ENUMERATE FIVE CONTRIBUTION OF GREEK EDUCATION TO MODERN
EDUCATION
1. The concept of a well-rounded education: The ancient Greeks believed in educating
the whole person, focusing not only on academics but also on physical fitness, moral
values, and the development of critical thinking skills. This holistic approach to
education has influenced modern education, emphasizing the importance of a broad
and balanced curriculum.
2. The establishment of democratic principles: Ancient Greece provided the foundation
for democracy, and education played a significant role in fostering active citizens who
could participate in the democratic process. This idea of educating citizens to be active,
informed, and engaged members of society is still relevant in modern education
systems.
3. The development of philosophy: Greek philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, and
Aristotle introduced the concepts of logic, reasoning, and critical thinking. Their ideas
and methods of inquiry have had a lasting impact on education, encouraging students to
question, analyze, and evaluate information rather than passively accepting it.
4. The promotion of physical education: The ancient Greeks recognized the importance
of physical activity and its positive impact on overall well-being. Their emphasis on
physical education, including sports and gymnastics, has influenced modern educational
practices that prioritize the importance of promoting physical health and wellness.

5. The preservation of knowledge: Greek scholars and philosophers were known for
their focus on knowledge and the pursuit of learning. The establishment of libraries, like
the Library of Alexandria, and the transcription of important texts ensured that
knowledge was preserved and accessible to future generations. This dedication to
preserving and disseminating knowledge has shaped modern education, emphasizing
the importance of access to information and the role of libraries and research
institutions.