* Focusing on contrasting political systems: While both Athens and Sparta were influential Greek city-states, their drastically different political systems shaped their cultures and destinies in profound ways.
* Focusing on contrasting societal values: Athens and Sparta, though both powerful city-states, held contrasting values that led to vastly different social structures and priorities.
* Focusing on military might: The contrasting military strategies and societal structures of Athens and Sparta ultimately determined their relative success and influence in ancient Greece.
* Focusing on a specific area of comparison: The differing approaches to education in Athens and Sparta reflect the fundamental differences in their respective ideals of citizenship and societal goals. (This would need a paragraph focusing on education)
The best option will depend on the specific argument you're making.