Developed their own coins

Ruled by an oligarchy

Economy was based on trade

Used the Council of 500 (Males over the age of 30)

Located near the sea, traded with others around the Mediterranean

Discouraged trade with others

Used the Council of Elders (2 kings and 28 other men)

Economy relied on farming and conquest of other lands

Used iron bars as currency

Valued strength and discipline, military training started at age 7

Valued mental and physical training, military training started at age 18

Women learned household tasks, usually married by 15

Men lived in barracks until age 30, could retire from the military at age 60

Women and slaves could not be citizens

Women held the same rights as men, often served in the military

Slave class was known as helots, treated harshly but could potentially buy their freedom

Slaves generally owned by the upper class, worked all types of jobs

Women could not own or inherit property

Women held more rights than any other women in Greek society