Because tall mountains separated the Greeks from each other, Greece never became one big kingdom. Instead, each city ruled itself, like a tiny country. These were called city-states. Each had its own leaders, its own army, and even its own coins!
The most famous city-state was Athens. Athenians loved learning, art, and new ideas. They built beautiful temples, like the Parthenon on a hill called the Acropolis, and they let citizens vote on the laws.
Another famous city-state was Sparta. Spartans cared most about being strong soldiers. Spartan kids began tough training at age seven! Athens and Sparta were rivals, but when danger came from outside, the Greek city-states sometimes joined together to defend their land.
1. What is a city-state?
2. What did Athens love most?
3. How was Sparta different from Athens?
Write ATHENS or SPARTA next to each clue.
| Clue | Athens or Sparta? |
|---|---|
| Loved art, learning, and new ideas | |
| Kids started soldier training at age seven | |
| Built the Parthenon on the Acropolis | |
| Cared most about strong warriors | |
| Citizens voted on the laws |
1. Greek cities that ruled themselves were called .
2. Tall kept the Greek cities separated.
3. was famous for learning and art.
4. was famous for tough soldiers.
5. Each city-state had its own leaders and its own .
1. Would you rather live in Athens or Sparta? Give two reasons.
2. Why do you think the mountains kept Greece from becoming one kingdom?
Draw two pictures: a scene from Athens (left) and a scene from Sparta (right).