Final answer:
The city-states of Athens and Sparta developed different political systems due to their individual societal structures and geographic isolation. Athens established a limited democracy, while Sparta adopted an oligarchic system ruled by a military elite.
Step-by-step explanation:
Why Did Athens and Sparta Develop Different Political Systems?
The ancient city-states of Athens and Sparta developed different political systems primarily because of their unique societal structures, influences, and reactions to their geographic isolation. Athenian society, encompassing all the land of Attica, cultivated a democratic system where all adult male citizens could partake in government, despite the concept of citizenship being quite restricted at the time. On the other hand, Sparta, known for its military prowess, developed an oligarchy, ruled by an elite class of soldier-citizens.
The mountainous topography of the Greek landscape contributed to the isolation of the various city-states, which in turn allowed for the development of distinct political systems. Additionally, the continuous interaction with other societies, as well as internal conflicts, influenced the political structures of both Athens and Sparta. Over time, these political dynamics profoundly impacted the cultural, philosophical, and military history of the Classical Greek period and laid the foundation for Western political thought.