CITY STATES

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CITY STATES

ROME

Rome is widely recognised for its Empire, which stretches from Italy, into Europa and Britannia, and across toward the Grecian states. As its Empire is so large, with provinces such as Sicily and areas of Asia Minor supplying food and much-needed materials, Rome is incredibly wealthy.
Its social class system consists of the Patricians, Equites, Plebs and Slaves. Patricians are the senatorial class, the richest, most noble families in all of Rome, whereas the Equites, while usually quite rich, work in businesses such as tax collection. The Plebs are the ordinary people of Rome, many of which live on the Aventine Hill.
Slaves come from all corners of the Empire, but are treated surprisingly well when compared to other states. A slave can be freedby his master, and then work his way through the social class system. However, to be known as a former-slave is still considered an insult.
Women are treated with surprising equality, and can work if they please, however, women cannot stand in the Senate.

SPARTA

A militaristic and reclusive civilisation, the Spartans are known for their physical prowess and suspicion of outsiders, and also for being Greece's most infamous land-power. Sparta was unique in that it had not abandoned its Kings like other Greek states, and was lead by its two Kings - the Agiad and the Eurypontid Kings. The Agiad King is the overall ruler of the state, and despite sharing the same title as his colleague, the Eurypontid King has much less sway and is almost treated as though he is second in command. The Ephors, five annually elected Spartans who assist and guide the Kings, are also treated with the utmost respect.
Sparta's social system is also unique. Those with the highest standing are the Spartiates; full Spartan citizens who enjoyed full rights whether they be male or female. After the Spartiates, came the Mothakes, non-Spartan free-men who are accepted and raised as Spartans. The Perioikoi were freed Spartan slaves who could begin working their way toward the status of a Mothake. Lastly came the Helots, who were state-owned slaves often treated badly by the other Spartan population. Helots collected food and water, so the Spartan males could dedicate their time to training for battle.
Spartan women enjoyed considerably more rights than anywhere in the ancient world, and were the only women allowed to speak freely amongst men. When asked why Spartan women are the only ones who can control men, Queen Gorgo of Sparta replied "For we are the only ones who give birth to men."

Athens

The home of democracy, philosophy and art, Athens was seen as one of the most civilised places in the ancient world. With Athena - goddess of wisdom, justice and skill - as the virgin patron of this glorious city-state, and the Parthenon built in her honour, it's no wonder that Athens is considered such a culturally rich civilisation. Athens was the centre of Ancient Greek theatre, a powerful influence on politics and the military as well as Greek culture; this genre of drama is where tragedy, comedy and satire came from - three of the most prominent genres of theatre to this day.
Despite it being the leading light in culture, Athens was severe on its women; they were seriously oppressed, and did not have the vote - only a male citizen could say how the city was run. Women could not be 'citizens', and neither could slaves or foreigners. Any politician who was severely disliked, and voted so by the Athenian citizens, was banished from the city for 10 years.
A quarter of the population of Athen was slaves; many were captured in wars, though many others were forced into slavery as they were penniless. If a slave was lucky - and obedient - they could save enough money to escape from the drudgery and hardships of slavery, and become free.

Megara

Due to its strategic position on the Isthmus, Megara is regarded as the neutral party between the warring city states. Much like Athens, it is regarded as a haven for scholars and philosophers, and had its own dedicated School of Philosophy. Due to its two ports, Megara is surprisingly wealthy for its size, with cloth, food and metal being shipped from across the world to its gates. Megara is known for its strong trade links to all the large city states.
Unlike Athens and Sparta, Megara does not have a large fleet or army, and therefore seems to keep itself out of the conflicts between the other states. Instead of an offensive force, the city surrounds a large Citadel, which provides refuge for Megarans and Free-Men alike in times of war. The Citadel is supposedly impenetrable, as its walls are sloped like those of Troy.
Although the Citadel is a haven in times of war, it is permanently inhabited by the Megaran Aristocracy, who rule the city. Much unlike Athens, Sparta and Rome, Megara does not have a class system, and therefore only has their Monarch and the Monarch's family to rule them. All other Megarans are considered equal, and due to this, Megara has no slave population.

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