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the real housewives of Sparta

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the real housewives of Sparta
The Real Housewives of Sparta
The Roles of Spartan Women by: Jasveen Bathh
Teacher: Ms.Neale
Ancient History ISU Essay

The Ancient Greek era was about the birth of democracy, their magical myths, their many gods and the wonderful people that came with it! Men were always seemed as the dominant gender and how they were the decision makers and thats exactly how Ancient Greece was about except for one particularly city-state Sparta. In Sparta women were not looked as somebody who should stay at home, or not getting an education but the complete opposite. Spartan women were independent- minded they actually had a voice and were allowed to say what they felt like. Physically fitness was tremendously important to Spartans and surprisingly Spartan women, they were given the right to exercise play sports with men and be physically fit. Education and women did not go together at all it just never seem to fit but not in Sparta, women received the same education as the Spartan men and nothing less. Men had always had owned all the land and their wives but in Sparta, women had the right to own property and have something of their own. You would think that Spartan women would still be doing all the housework but you are wrong again they have servants for that. One of the most remembered Spartan women was Queen Gorgo she was the wife of Leonidas I and she ruled Sparta during 6th and 5th centuries BC1. Queen Gorgo is one of the few female historical figures who is known for her political judgment and wisdom(refer to Appendix C). But was she any better than the other Spartan women? Spartan Queen Gorgo was not a unique or exceptional women, but typical of all Spartan women. When you think of a women and family you automatically think housework or taking care of the kids but in Sparta that is not very common. You would think Spartan women would do all the cleaning, cooking, making clothes or doing the laundry but that was all done by the
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