Women In Sparta

Sparta was a civilization in ancient Greece that grew in power when defeating the neighboring city-state, Athens, in the Peloponnesian war. Sparta is made up of a warrior society meaning the values were centered on loyalty to the state and military. During the Archaic Age, Sparta and Athens became dominate polis, although both cultures are opposing. The Spartan people were very militaristic and expansionists; they believed the strength in their city-state come from the strength of not only their foundation but from their people. Every male born was expected to become a strong warrior to one day grow up and defend their home; while the woman stayed and took care of the land. Health was very important, strong health signified unstoppable soldiers. As Sparta drove to expand their land, their army grew in number and strength. Life in Sparta revolved around its vigorous militaristic lifestyle, causing life to be horrible for children growing up. Sparta

Unlike in different city-states “woman could own property…and they could dispose of it as they wished” (e.g. Woman in Sparta). As little as this may seem now, at the time this was a sort of power. Women were free to own their own land and dispose of it without discussing it with her husband or father. Women were also allowed to share their ideals and speak freely in public even conversing with other females and males. “Spartan women had a reputation for boldness and licentiousness that other Greeks found unseemly” (e.g. Woman in Sparta). The militaristic culture effected the woman’s role in a positive view. The warrior society allowed woman to have power and be able to do plenty of things for themselves. Both males and females were raised to become independent. But it is only in a woman’s case were the militarism did something helpful all the other results were