Aspasia

Aspasia
By: Sonia Painda

Status of Athenian Women
Women had no role in assembly, councils, or juries. Women had to be represented by guardians
They were confined to the house. They were compared to children or domesticated animals
Did not receive formal education like boys, and forced to marry in mid-teens to much older men
Taught to be submissive

Aspasia- the exception
Was born in 470 BCE
Born to a wealthy family on the western coast of Turkey
She was a rare case because she was an educated young woman

Journey to Athens
She was schooled by her mother and household salves
Increased her thirst for education and persuaded her to head for Athens
Rare for unmarried women to journey alone

Life in Athens
Met Pericles, Athens democratic leader
Left his wife and two song for Aspasia
Two began living together and never married
Rumors spread that she was a high-class courtesan
But also impressed many with her intelligence, charm, and wit

Continued…
Because of her foreign birth status, the rules of Athens did not apply to her
She was free to roam the streets
She got along with the wealthy class, and was a smooth conversationalist
Had a son with Pericles
Had tremendous influence on Pericles, and rumor has it even wrote some of his speeches

Demise of Relationship
Lived with Pericles for over 2 decades
Wars and plagues hits Athens: killing a quarter of all citizens
Pericles died 429 and his illegitimate son with Aspasia was named heir
Married Lysicles and remained politically active till death

Aspasia

by soniap1 on Oct 10, 2010

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