Daily Life of the Ancient Greeks

126 Daily Life of the Ancient Greeks
which occurred after its defeat at the hands of the Thebans at Leuktra
in 371 b.c.e. Although the causes for the demographic decline
are unclear, it is safe to assume that it involved a serious social
upheaval. Economic factors may have been chiefly responsible,
but we should not rule out the possibility that infertility also
played a part.
Making Connections
Prepare a discussion between an Athenian and a Spartan,
each of whom is fiercely nationalistic in believing that his or
her way of life is vastly superior to the other. Each side may
also want to give some emphasis to its proud history on the
field of combat as well as to its cultural accomplishments. Arrange your
argument in such a way that you incorporate as much relevant detail as
possible. After the speeches have been delivered, each should deliver
a rebuttal of the other. For a model, you might want to look at some of
the paired speeches found in Thucydides’ History.