Final answer:
Athens and Sparta were contrasting city-states, with Athens known for its cultural achievements and the inception of democracy, and Sparta for its militaristic and oligarchic society. Athens led the Delian League and Sparta led the Peloponnesian League, culminating in the Peloponnesian War due to their rivalry.
Step-by-step explanation:
The differences between Athens and Sparta in Ancient Greece stem from their differing social structures, cultural values, and political systems. Athens is celebrated for its achievements in art, music, and drama, and is renowned as the birthplace of democracy. Athenian democracy developed during the Archaic period and became a system in which all adult male citizens could participate in government. Despite being a democracy, it was a restricted concept with exclusions, most notably women.
Conversely, Sparta was known for its militaristic society and austere lifestyle, characterized by an oligarchy governed by two kings. Spartan education and society focused heavily on military training and excellence. Sparta's elite class of soldier-citizens, called 'equals', were the only ones who participated in government. Additionally, Sparta controlled a large slave population known as helots.
During the Classical period, Athens and Sparta became leading powers in Greece, forming opposing alliances. Athens led the Delian League, using it as a tool to establish an Athenian empire. On the other hand, Sparta was the head of the Peloponnesian League and, driven by the fear and resentment towards Athens, engaged in the protracted Peloponnesian War. This war highlighted the military prowess of both states, with Sparta excelling in land battles and Athens in naval supremacy.