Cato the Elder vs Lykurgos of Sparta

Cato served as consul and led a campaign in Hispania Citerior, suppressing a rebellion. He used harsh tactics, including mass executions, to pacify the region, and later boasted of his victories in his writings.

Cato the Elder served as censor, implementing strict moral reforms to combat luxury and corruption. He expelled senators for immorality, taxed luxury goods, and promoted traditional Roman values, earning the nickname 'Censorius'.

Cato wrote 'Origines', the first history of Rome in Latin. The work covered the founding of Rome and the early Republic, emphasizing Roman virtues and the importance of agriculture, and influenced later Roman historiography.

Cato opposed the influence of Greek culture on Rome, arguing it undermined Roman values. He led a campaign to expel Greek philosophers from Rome and promoted traditional Roman education and customs.

Cato ended every speech in the Senate with 'Carthago delenda est' (Carthage must be destroyed). His persistent advocacy for war against Carthage influenced Roman policy and contributed to the outbreak of the Third Punic War.

Lykurgos established the Great Rhetra, a foundational constitution for Sparta. It created the dual kingship, the Gerousia (council of elders), and the Apella (assembly), forming the basis of the Spartan mixed government.

Lykurgos is credited with creating the agoge, the rigorous state-sponsored education and training system for Spartan boys. This system emphasized discipline, military prowess, and loyalty to the state, defining Spartan society for centuries.

Lykurgos replaced gold and silver currency with heavy iron bars to discourage trade and luxury. He also instituted common messes (syssitia), requiring all male citizens to dine together, fostering equality and military bonding.