The Athenians ran their government like an open mic night, pulled off one of the greatest golden ages in human history and show why true democrats hate elections.

The secret sauce of Athenian greatness? Seamen. Lots of seamen.

The Spartans are legendary fighters and legendary patriots. They believed in equality, meritocracy, and freedom. They also ran the most brutal slave state in the ancient world.

Their secret? Institutions!

The Greeks invented political liberty and everyone loves them for it.

Were they freedom-loving geniuses? Maybe.

Were they farm boys who could handle a spear? Yes.

Were they deep in debt and looking for a way out? Absolutely.