Aspasia of Miletus was a scholar and philosopher whose intellectual influence distinguished her in Athenian culture, which treated women as second-class citizens during the 5th century B.C.E. ... Aspasia is commonly remembered for her romantic relationship with Pericles , the leader of democratic Athens.
What was unique about Aspasia?
In social circles, Aspasia was noted for her ability as a conversationalist and adviser rather than merely an object of physical beauty . Plutarch writes that despite her immoral life, friends of Socrates brought their wives to hear her converse.
What did Socrates say about Aspasia?
6.36), Socrates quotes Aspasia as saying that the matchmaker should report truthfully on the good characteristics of the man and woman and never praise them falsely to the other . And in Oeconomicus (III. 14), which Cicero considered so useful that he translated it when he was twenty years old (De Officiis, II.
Did Aspasia teach Socrates?
Along with Diotima, Aspasia was one of the two women philosophers whom Plato recognised as a teacher of Socrates . Her biography is subject to debate, but she is still famous for her knowledge of rhetoric and her skill in debate.
Was Aspasia a popular woman?
The most famous woman of Ancient Athens was Aspasia , the companion of the great leader of democratic Athens, Pericles. Because she was a courtesan, Pericles was not permitted to marry her, but in every way she was his partner and an important Athenian in her own right. Aspasia was probably a hetaira.
What does Aspasia mean in Greek?
Origin:Greek. Popularity:11599. Meaning: welcome, invite .
Did Socrates know Pericles?
Socrates recounts events that happened long after his death. This anachronism serves to link Pericles to the course of the war after his death. Socrates even speaks of Pericles at one point as if he were still alive (235e,)19 yet Pericles had died some thirty years earlier.
What was Aspasia accused of?
Aspasia was continually made the object of public attacks—particularly from the comedic stage—criticizing her private life and public influence. She was irresponsibly accused of urging Pericles to crush the island of Samos , Miletus’ old rival, and to provoke war with Sparta.
Did Socrates get angry?
For his own part, Socrates appears to be as impervious to anger as he seems to be to any of the other desires or movements of the non-rational portions of the soul. He endures heat, cold, thirst, hunger, sexual desire with equanimity. He responds to insults, whether open or veiled, in good humor.
What is Socrates best known for?
Socrates of Athens (l. c. 470/469-399 BCE) is among the most famous figures in world history for his contributions to the development of ancient Greek philosophy which provided the foundation for all of Western Philosophy. He is, in fact, known as the “Father of Western Philosophy” for this reason.
Is it true that Sparta suffered from a plague during the war?
In 430 BC, a plague struck the city of Athens, which was then under siege by Sparta during the Peloponnesian War (431-404 BC). In the next 3 years, most of the population was infected, and perhaps as many as 75,000 to 100,000 people, 25% of the city’s population, died.
Who killed Pericles?
The cause of the plague of Athens in 430BC, which devastated the city and killed up to one-third of the population, including its leader, Pericles, was typhoid fever, scientists believe.
Is it true that colonies were first established by Greece around 700 BC to supply food?
Colonies were first established by Greece around 700 B.C. because they could not grow enough food to feed their growing population . The Greek alphabet was based on the alphabet created by the ancient Egyptians. The Minoans made their living as traders.
Is Aspasia a male or female name?
The name Aspasia is primarily a female name of Greek origin that means Welcome, Embrace. The name of Pericles’s lover in the 5th century BCE.
What were many of the enslaved people in Athens?
Most Athenian households had at least one enslaved person. Many enslaved people were prisoners who had been captured in battle . This included both Greeks and non-Greeks.
What is the difference between Socrates and Pericles?
Socrates and Pericles represent the two different sides of Ancient Athens. ... Perhaps the main difference between the two is that Pericles valued politics highly , while Socrates valued philosophy and the individual.
