A Gynecocracy or
product of
intimidation?
An analysis of the
role of women in
Spartan society.
By Miss Gray <3
An overview of my
investigation
Spartan women were allowed to own and manage property.
Additionally, they were typically exempt of domestic
responsibilities such as cooking, cleaning and making clothing,
tasks which were handled by the Helots – the servile population
of Sparta.
Our knowledge of Spartan women largely stems from the writing
of men outside of Spartan society. Their commentary provides a
view of Sparta as a gynecocracy (Aristotle) – rule by women.
However, my thesis suggests that this view is a product of
intimidation. Rather, women were almost equal to men due to
the role they played in upholding the militaristic ethos of Spartan
society.
6/12/2023
2
Source 1
A Summary of the Source.
- Paul Cartledge: Modern Historian, Expert in Spartan History
- Writes about the ‘Spartan Mirage’
- Critiques Ancient Writers
The purpose and conclusions made by the
The Riddle of Ancient Sparta: source.
Unwrapping the Enigma
By Professor Paul Cartledge
- To address and debunk the concept of ‘Spartan Mirage’
- Addresses Aristotle’s claims: “But what seems to have irked him most
was not their alleged sexual license, but that, unlike in most other Greek
cities, Spartan women and wives could own and dispose of landed
property in their own right, independently of a male ‘lord and master’”
Source 1
Strengths and weaknesses of the source.
- Authorial reliability
- Supported by a plethora of evidence: Both archaeological and
written sources
- Highly critical of ancient writers outside of Sparta
- Lack of other modern historians
Your personal conclusions about the source.
The Riddle of Ancient Sparta:
Unwrapping the Enigma
By Professor Paul Cartledge
Overall, this source has been highly valuable for my historical
investigation, as Cartledge offers commentary on the role of Athenian
writers, such as Aristotle, in perpetuating myths of Spartan women being
more powerful than men. He offers conclusions on why these views have
emerged.
Source 2
A Summary of the Source.
-
Bronze Figurine of a Spartan Women
Dancing/Athletics?
Clothing
Religious Offering
“Thigh Bearers” - Plutarch