By 500 BCE, numerous poleis existed in ancient Greece. Two of the major poleis, or city-states in Greece, were Sparta and Athens. Although both city-states are located in the same region of the world; they had different ways of living. Sparta and Athens had many differences in the way they managed their city-states. There were many political, economic and social differences between the two city-states. Sparta and Athens may have had their differences, but they fought side by side against the Persian invaders. The city-states fought the Persians and brought about the “golden age” of Greece. The fate of Greece would have been very different if they had not fought together against the Persian Empire. In today's world, some countries share some similarities with the ancient polis of Sparta and Athens. Politically, Sparta and Athens had different ways of governing their city-states. Sparta had a mixed Constitution. The city-state of Sparta also had a monarchy. The king had little authority over civil matters, such as creating laws for his people. The king of Sparta was above all a commander on the battlefield. The founding of the Spartan government was a group called Gerousia. The group was made up of 28 elders over the age of 60, elected by the people of Sparta. Gerousia invented all the political laws and policies of ancient Sparta. The political decisions made by Gerousia were carried out by five leaders known as Euphorias. Euphorias were also brought to power by the people of Sparta. The citizens of Athens had very little influence over their government. The government of Athens was an oligarchy, that is, ruled by a few. Only the wealthy citizens of Athens had power in the government. The lower class had a great disadvantage...... middle of paper ......terrying their country. This limits trade and relations with other countries. Sparta did not trade much and had little to do with the other poles. Cuba and North Korea also remain isolated. Athens can also be compared to Cuba and North Korea. Although both countries are officially communist, very few people have a say in government like the Athenian oligarchy. As in Athens, the working classes are largely disadvantaged in these countries. Athens and Sparta set the example that some countries still follow today. The poleis Sparta and Athens had many different ideas on how to run their societies. They overcame their differences and fought the Persian invasion to defend their homeland. Without this victory, our story would be very different. Sparta and Athens have enormously influenced the world we live in today..