Spartan women Ancient History Assignment - Erdinc Bahri Bat
Louis Jean Francois lagrenee the Elder, Spartan Mother and Son.
The French art is a Spartan woman bidding farewell to her hoplite son. The mothers hand gestures on the shield and looking into his eyes represents that she expects her to come back with her shield or not at all. Thus, revealing the importance of their sons’ military career and expectations of their sons, as they were patriotic mothers.
Mother handing over sons shield
The inscription are the words of a spartan mother to a parting hoplite son, as she hands him the shield and gives a word of encouragement, suggesting that he should return victorious or fall in battle. Therefore, Plutarch’s source reveals that Spartan woman were warm hearted as they wanted to raise their sons’ morale. Also, they had a strong sense of patriotism, through wanting their sons to die for Sparta.
Helen of Troy and Aphrodite-Detail of an Attic red-figure krator c. 450–440 BC
The pottery is Helen of Sparta being given to Prince Paris of god She was actually married to king Menelaus of troy but was subdued and abducted by Aphrodite the goddess of love. Cupid the cherub of love was to be lead Helen of troy to his new husband Prince Paris of Troy. Therefore, the painting on a krator reveals that Spartan Women had a significance in religion, as few were seen in myths with gods. Women believed in the gods Aphrodite and her son cupid. Furthermore, shows that Spartan were the most beautiful and sought after in ancient civilization.
Death of a son - Plutarch
When a mother heard her son had died on the battle-line, she states that cowards would cry and that she would not shed a tear whilst burying her son. Because she states that he is her son and Sparta's too, as a result this quote reveals that Spartan mothers were extremely patriotic towards war and the loss of a son in battle would bring them immense happiness. Also portrays that Spartan women couldn't weep after their fallen children, as it shows weakness and weakness is for cowards.
Nude, kneeling, pregnant female in labour - Magoula 550-525Bc
The statue of a kneeling women is a pregnant Spartan woman in labour or Eileithyia, Goddess of fertility. It depicts the importance of Pregnancy for Spartans, as women beared Sparta’s future youth. Also shows the religious beliefs, as it is believed they were being supported by a goddess in pregnancy.
News of Husbands Death - Plutarch
When a messenger come to report Acrotatus's death, Gyrtias responded that death or victory was expected. she was glad he died an honourable death, as it is better than being an immortal coward. Therefore, her statement shows that spartan women took great pride and honour in their husbands’ righteous death, as a result of their national duty and commitment. furthermore, the death of their partners did not emotionally affect them, as Spartan women were raised to see their partners and son's die and believed it was for the betterment of the nation.
Giovanni Demin, La Lotte delle Spartane -Fresco, 1836
The fresco is women publicly wrestling nude in what seems to be a courtyard with sets for Lycurgus and the Gerousia to watch the performance while being served. Therefore, revealing that even women had a warrior like upbringing and that sexuality wasn’t a big concern, as they performed nude. Also, this represents the expectations and nature of Spartan Women being warrior like.
Mother Killing Coward Son - Plutarch
The epigram depicts Damatria being killed by his mother after she finds out he was a coward and unworthy. Therefore, revealing that Spartan woman were extremely obliged to the law and would not take it lightly if it was to be broken, even if it was by their own son. Also shows that women took their public reputation and pride to heart. Even reinforces the stereotype of Spartan women being strong and powerful, by her killing her son.
Athlete Bronze mirror handle, front views
The artifact is a mirror used by spartan women for beauty. Thus, revealing that although they were warrior like, they still focused on looking beautiful. Also, that they had some acknowledge of their prowess in beauty and strength. Furthermore, that it depicts that Spartan women were not completely stripped of their women hood. But Lycurgus states that they shouldn’t worry about their beauty, therefore contradicting Lycurgus’s legislation.
News about Fallen son - Plutarch
A Spartan mother’s reaction from hearing her son died in battle right at his place in his phalanx, is to replace him with his brother. Therefore, portraying that Spartan mothers were not attached to their sons, as they were barely home. Also, this shows that the mothers were highly patriotic and saw their sons as property of the state, as they were expected to die for their nation.
