Both cities were governed by a parliament and had laws which were upheld. They are also the main cities in Greece in the years before 400 B.C. Slaves were treated as equals and often participated in battles, which at times, were waged with each other. Both cities focused on having a strong military presence both on land and sea. Women were judged by physical beauty and prowess, but while makeup and jewelry was encouraged in Athens, it was outlawed in Sparta.
