Sparta technically had more territory on the map, but it was Athens that had the greatest geographic advantage, due mostly to the fact that its city states were positioned along the Mediterranean Sea.
Spices allowed many Europeans to have more time on doing other things then shopping in the market. Spices allowed food to be kept longer, and so Europeans didn't have to shop as much. They also gave flavor to food that were usually bland
hope this helps
that would be the senate im pretty sure
