If a woman had one brother, according to Spartan law, she would inherit half of the heritage. But as a Spartan soldier, this was the way of life. Basically, their main “duty” was procreation–giving birth to healthy and strong children. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. The only piece of clothing that the children could get was a robe. Women, though they can own land, cannot use their education to have a career. The life of a Spartan woman The image of a Spartan made popular by the film 300 is that of a toned male warrior, his heavy shield in hand as he thunders fearlessly into battle. If a woman had one brother, according to Spartan law, she would inherit half of the heritage. Many in ancient Greece even attributed the decline of Spartan society to its treatment of women, said the Ancient History Encyclopedia. If their husband was away for too long, they could take another husband for themselves. They could not only control but actually own property and also inherit and control the land. They weren't relegated to the sidelines and treated as second class citizens. The women in ancient Greece also had rich lives, but how they lived those lives depended on where they were. Using Pop Art for Your Class: Pop Art Lesson Plans. To contemporaries outside of Sparta, Spartan women had a reputation for promiscuity and controlling their husbands. According to spartan law the most important role for spartan women in Spartan society was the bearing of children, this was on the same level as the training of a Spartan warrior in the army. Slave women viewed as the lowest class, doing domestic jobs and raising their landlady’s children, typically. Further, they learned how to read and write, as well as athletic and war-like disciplines. In comparison with their Athenian fellows, Spartan women had greater freedom as their husbands were well-known soldiers, a characteristic that kept male family members outside the home most of the time. Though these rules made it seem that Spartan women were freer than your average Greek female, they were actually implemented in order to ensure that Spartan society progressed as disciplined, powerful, and threatening. Women were free to refuse a suitor if she could fight him off (not uncommon for these physically strong ladies!) 2. Quay House, The Ambury, Gorgo, Queen of Sparta and wife of Leonidas, as quoted by Plutarch Spartan women were famous in ancient Greece for having more freedom than women elsewhere in the Greek world. Marriage was not based on emotions but rather on a family deal. Today, people need thousands of things just to go by a single day. This was completely opposite as per the Spartan values. Young Spartan girls were expected to be fit and healthy, they were given a public education and took part in many sporting events alongside boys, such as horse racing, gymnastics and wrestling. Bath Sue Blundell: Women in ancient Greece: Volume 1995, Part 2. Finally, Athenian women could not own property. All rights reserved. Regardless of the fact that numerous ancient polis (cities) existed, they were similar in that most imitated the rules and relationships that existed in Sparta and Athens. Future Publishing Limited Their rights declined during the classical age (500-400 BC), mostly due to more rigorous rules concerning legitimacy of marriage, introduced by Pericles. They were allowed to express their thoughts and be outspoken. Their education was strict, especially in comparison with Athenian women. Sparta had a map for each citizen and they were expected to follow it for the good and continued … Therefore, this article will outline the main aspects of the lives of both Spartan and Athenian women. They thought that women had poor minds and, as such, were not fit for any kind of education. While women weren't part of the army, they held their own special place in Spartan society, according to Atlas Obscura. The freedom of Spartan women, however, did not mean they were equal to Spartan men. They did not have a voice in government. More specifically, the marriage was arranged by the father, and the arrangement was usually made among families that had a good relationship. It is interesting to note that this was not the case in the beginning of ancient Greece. Therefore, they were skilled in various athletic disciplines such as discus, races and others that were practiced at the time. In fact, women were not expected to learn how to read or write, or to gain any other type of education. But, Spartan men respected their opinions. Historical records are sparse but evidence suggests Spartan women were also encouraged to be physically fit, not for battle but because strength was a virtue in Sparta. Many in ancient Greece even attributed the decline of Spartan society to its treatment of women, said the Ancient History Encyclopedia. We use cookies on this website to deliver content to you, personalise content and ads, provide social media features, and analyse our traffic. This has led many to believe that Spartan society was strongly patriarchal, but this is simply not true, female Spartans enjoyed much more freedom than other Greek women. All About History is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. © Men who fathered multiple children were celebrated. All Rights Reserved. Spartan Woman Bronze Statue. The act was revered so dearly that women who died in childbirth would receive the same honours as soldiers who died in battle. Having sons that were cowards was shameful, but for those that died in battle, Spartan women celebrated since … Spartan women were seen as the vehicle by which Sparta constantly advanced. Unlike their Athenian counterparts, Spartan women could legally own and inherit property and they were … This is mostly because the ancient Greek civilization lasted over 1,200 years and covered a huge geographical area. When you read about the people who lived in Greece in ancient times, it's almost always about men. What is clear is that Sparta was a place ahead of its time. Women were to give birth to as much man as possible, they took great pleasure in raising up their children. Spartan women were the alpha women of the ancient Greek world, they wielded the most power, and in many ways had the most equality afforded to them by the state of Sparta. 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It is also interesting to notice that, as the Spartan women were well trained, they overtook and guarded the property from intruders until their males (especially the husband) returned. Girls got married when they were 18 years old and were not asked for opinion when future husbands were about to be chosen. as well as being free to divorce and remarry if she desired. It was a society that valued women's place in the world and what they can offer it. Click 'I accept' to consent to the use of cookies. Spartan Diet: Today, you can order something online that will reach your doorsteps in a few minutes. Surely, Athenian women envied a little part of that. History notes Sparta began to fall after its defeat at the hands of the Thebans in the Battle of Leuctra. Surely, Athenian women envied a little part of that. There was even an all female chariot race! When Gorgo, wife of Leonidas was asked by a woman from Attica, “Why is it that you Spartan women are the only women that lord it over your men?” She responded, “Because we are the only women that are mothers of men.”. Historians find this topic rather interesting and numerous works on the subject have been published. While their education and physical health were important, Spartan women were still mainly prized for their ability to bear children, or as the Ancient History Encyclopedia puts it, as babymakers. What is clear is that Sparta was a place ahead of its time. The treatment of women in ancient Greece is a rather complex subject, all the mysteries of which will probably never be completely revealed. All rights reserved. The movie 300 didn't lie when it portrayed Spartans as highly-trained soldiers. . They could not only control but actually own property and also inherit and control the land. What life was like for women in ancient Sparta, © 2020 Grunge.com. This has led many to believe that Spartan society was strongly patriarchal, but this is simply not true, female Spartans enjoyed much more freedom than other Greek women.

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