Answer:
Their difference in political views and military might set them apart.
Sparta proved they were noble warriors by not totally annihilating Athens after the failed attempt to rule all of Greece by Athens
Explanation:
Athens were a democratic state who were ruled by archons and elected by the people. They also had an Assembly that were directly responsible to the people.
Sparta also had an Assembly, but were ruled by two kings who ruled until they died or were replaced. Spartans lived a simple life of war and loyalty to their leaders. Their young men were trained from young to be warriors and the females were trained to be mothers of warriors.
The Athenians were a learned people who were much involved in science and arts. The males were not conscripted to the army or navy but they could join if they so chose.
The Spartans provided military support to Greece and their bravery at the Battle of Themopylae showed their resilience and devotion to the Greeks and they helped the Greeks repel the mighty Persians and end Persian invasions of Greece.
While the Spartans were content to give military aid to Greece, Athens wanted more lands from Greece which eventually led to war among all the Greeks and which Sparta ultimately won. In their true Spartan spirit, the Spartan army refused to burn the city of Athens after conquering it. They let the Athens keep their traditions and culture a long as they no longer wanted to rule their fellow Greeks.
