Classical Kids: An Activity Guide to Life in Ancient Greece and Rome

Classical Kids: An Activity Guide to Life in Ancient Greece and Rome — page 5
twenty they entered the army They could marry but they couldn't go live with their wives and families until age thirty At thirty they earned the right to vote in the assembly They served in the Spartan army until about age sixty Spartans ate simple foods black broth and mush They wore simple plain clothing unless going into battle when they wore a scarlet tunic and a polished bronze helmet Spartans were forbidden to work in stores or trade and couldn't make crafts or art because they needed to spend their efforts keeping fit and strong No other army ever entered Spartan territory They were the best soldiers anywhere ATHENS The citizens of Athens enjoyed freedom and liked change and creative living They didn't work much either having slaves do everything Athens received profits from silver mines outside the city so few citi zens had to worry about money Citizens were paid to serve on court juries or hold elected office Atheni ans loved going to the theater to see plays and pageants The government paid admission for the poor so everyone could attend Athens had an army but it was nothing like the Spartan army Athens also had a big navy with more than two hundred ships Citizens were paid to be in the navy