THIS IS SPARTA: A bit of how Spartan women lived. by: Mariana Lima

Sparta is known as the militaristic rival of Athens in ancient Greece. The heroic defense under King Leonidas of the Pass at Thermopylae against the Persian Invasion is one of many military accomplishments. The Spartan society gives to their people a severe discipline, a ruthless emphasis on courage and bravery. Their culture is predominantly popular literature and non-specialized education.

The women from Sparta have a different way of life if compared with other Greek women, including in their education lots of physical exercise. When young, the girls were expected to participate in athletic contests. Spartans used to think that by ensuring the fitness of Spartan girls they would be more likely to have strong babies, who, if male, would grow up to be good soldiers.

 Spartan women are very dominant in their society. With the militarism involving all the men, almost all house decisions are taken by the Spartan woman. They take care of her children until their 7 years old, after this the society is the responsible of the children’s education.

The girls are well educated in arts and athletics, differently from Athens women. In the Spartan society, women own more than a third of all the land and are encouraged to develop their intellect continuously.

 Another interesting fact is that the ladies in Sparta marry at a later age than the Athens girls. Finally, this report shows only a part of the boldness, strength, the intelligence, power of decision and the courage of the women from Sparta.