Technically all city-states had a strong belief in the Greek polytheistic religion. They both pay homage to the Greek gods to keep them happy and bring order to their society. However, each city-state planned special events for certain gods it favored. The people of Sparta favored Greek figures who are more associated with Olympic events or strong points such as the god Aries; the god of war. However, the people of Athens favored Athena, the Greek god of wisdom, courage, justice, and the wisdom of war. The types of gods they favored represent what life is like in their society