Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the nature of Spartan and Athenian women in relation to their customs and principles. The evidence drawn from primary sources, such as those of Historians Herodotus and Plutarch, provide insight in Ancient Greek societies’ expectation on proper female behavior. These sources also describe the different character traits and status between Spartan women and Athenian women, as well as, similarities in political and property restrictions. However, it is important to keep in mind that the evidence provided is from a male’s perspective in patriarchal societies. Thus, limiting the scope of accurate sentiments of a woman in Ancient Greece Keywords: Ancient Greece, Athens, Athenian Women, Customs, Education, Family Life, Ideology, Ownership, Principles, Practices, Marriage, Mothers, Mythology, Reproduction, Sparta, Spartan Women, Status of Women, Wives, Women Introduction
According to Plutarch, Lycurgus, …show more content…
Their education consisted of physical exercises, such as dancing, running, throwing javelin and discus, wrestling and gymnastics (Plutarch, 2nd Century A.D.). Spartans believed that by training their girls, their bodies would become stronger and thus, they would reproduce strong and healthy offspring. They had competitions in relating their physical training. In a running competition, the champion would receive an olive-crown and the choice of share in the sacrificial offering, as well as, “the right to dedicate statues inscribed with their name.” (Katz, 1998). Spartan girls were also permitted to dance and sing naked at certain festivals where young boys were present. It taught them modesty, self-control and provided an incentive to stay healthy. Additionally, they were encouraged to tease boys “who had done something wrong” and rejoice the ones that had done well, which taught both the young boys and girls to desire praise (Plutarch, 2nd Century
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the nature of Spartan and Athenian women in relation to their customs and principles. The evidence drawn from primary sources, such as those of Historians Herodotus and Plutarch, provide insight in Ancient Greek societies’ expectation on proper female behavior. These sources also describe the different character traits and status between Spartan women and Athenian women, as well as, similarities in political and property restrictions. However, it is important to keep in mind that the evidence provided is from a male’s perspective in patriarchal societies. Thus, limiting the scope of accurate sentiments of a woman in Ancient Greece Keywords: Ancient Greece, Athens, Athenian Women, Customs, Education, Family Life, Ideology, Ownership, Principles, Practices, Marriage, Mothers, Mythology, Reproduction, Sparta, Spartan Women, Status of Women, Wives, Women Introduction
According to Plutarch, Lycurgus, …show more content…
Their education consisted of physical exercises, such as dancing, running, throwing javelin and discus, wrestling and gymnastics (Plutarch, 2nd Century A.D.). Spartans believed that by training their girls, their bodies would become stronger and thus, they would reproduce strong and healthy offspring. They had competitions in relating their physical training. In a running competition, the champion would receive an olive-crown and the choice of share in the sacrificial offering, as well as, “the right to dedicate statues inscribed with their name.” (Katz, 1998). Spartan girls were also permitted to dance and sing naked at certain festivals where young boys were present. It taught them modesty, self-control and provided an incentive to stay healthy. Additionally, they were encouraged to tease boys “who had done something wrong” and rejoice the ones that had done well, which taught both the young boys and girls to desire praise (Plutarch, 2nd Century