The role and status of Spartan Women:. sample question

Example 2: their social role. Enforced the military values of the Spartan state.

" When a woman was burying her son, a worthless old crone came up to her and said, "you poor woman , what a misfortune". No by the two gods, a piece of good fortune because I bore him so that he might die for Sparta, and that is what has happened as I wished." (Plutarch Sayings)

A relevant quote

"Although Plutarch, Xenophon and Aristotle's image of Spartan women were part of the general " mirage", it is significant that in no sources do Spartan women ever appear as passive, an unusual achievement in a predominantly male Greek world. Their importance to their society centred on their biological, economic, religious and socialising capacity." (Anton Powell, Life within Sparta)

A relevant quote: Aristotle

"This is why that state of affairs prevailed among the Spartans, where in the days of their supremacy a great deal was managed by women. And what is the difference between women ruling and rulers ruled by women?"

A relevant quote

"Women underwent the servitude of maternity as did men the servitude of war" Simone De Beauvoir

Example 3: their power and influence within Spartan society

- Couldn't vote or take part in the Spartan Assembly - therefore NO DIRECT POLITICAL INFLUENCE - BUT, Aristotle suggests Spartiate women had undue ECONOMIC influence. - Ownership and management of the land + - much of the the everyday household economy rested with women - In the absence of a male descendent, such a woman could be the means by which her father's lineage was perpetuated. - She might also transmit her father's property to her son, or inherit it herself.

Example 5: The roles of non-Spartan women (helots and periokoi) and how these contributed to society

- Helots worked in the home as unpaid servants, but lived with their own families. - Could form close relationships with their Spartan mistresses. EG: Plutarch's account of Timaea. - Periokoi lived and worked in their own homes. Also worked as nurses and prostitutes (Pomeroy).

Introduction

- Keep it brief: 2-3 sentences max. - Provide YOUR answer to the question and briefly outline the arguments/main points you'll discuss - This question is asking you WHY were Spartan women important/significant in archaic and classical Sparta AND how do we know this.

Next paragraph: Body 2

- Now go on to talk more specifically about women's roles in Spartan society

Next paragraph: Body 1

- Overview the range of sources and the information these provide about the lives of Spartan women. - EG: Xenophon and Plutarch largely positive representation of the expectations of Spartan women for their education and adult roles - Aristotle - strong critic of the direct and indirect power and influence of Spartan women, particularly their economic influence. - Modern understandings supported by the research of Powell on Spartan land ownership, and women's lives, by Pomeroy.

Practice question from your previous assessment

With reference to sources, explain what evidence reveals about the significance of women in Spartan society.

For example

Women in Spartan society held a significant place in Spartan society as their roles crossed all major aspects of Spartan life, including biological, economic, socio-cultural practices and religion.

Example 4: The role of Spartan women in religious practices

- Religion was central to Spartan life and women played an important role in religious practices. EG: - Most famous cult centre in Sparta was devoted to the goddess, Artemis Orthia, who was associated with fertility and childbirth. SOURCE: Large quantities of votive offerings have been found at this site. - Prayers and sacrifices to the goddess, Aphodite Hera, when a young Spartan women married. - Participated in RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS. EG - the HYAKINTHIA, women rode decorated carriages and chariots to honour Apollo. And.... - PAUSANIAS also describes the role of the priestess holding the image of Artemis Orthia during the whipping ordeal - FUNERARY and BURIAL practices: Source - Herodotus. Tells us that women played a central role in the funeral ceremonies of a deceased king, being required to walk through the streets beating cauldrons.

.Example 1: To produce strong, healthy (male) children for the Spartan state - and how the state supported this.

- The aim of the State Spartan system of education was to produce worthy mothers who would bear strong warriors. This was supported through/by: - A more nutritious diet than other Greek women enjoyed. - Fitness encouraged through sport and exercise - Marriage customs: married in their late teens when most suited physically and emotionally for healthy childbearing.

Disclaimer

The following is a suggested framework for how you might approach this question.