Gorgo, Queen of Sparta facts for kids
Gorgo (; Greek: Γοργώ[ɡorɡɔ͜ɔ́]; fl. BC) was a Spartan woman and wife to King Leonidas I (r. – BC). She was the daughter and the only known child of Cleomenes I, Leonidas' half-brother and King of Sparta (r. – BC). Gorgo was also the mother of King Pleistarchus, her only son with King Leonidas I. She is notably one of the few female historical figures actually named by Herodotus, and is depicted in sources as intelligent and wise. Her birth date is uncertain, but based on Herodotus' dating, it is most likely to have been between and BC.
Early life and education
According to Herodotus, Gorgo was the only child of King Cleomenes I of Sparta. The earliest anecdote of her life that he provides in The Histories comes when Aristagoras, seeking allies after the Ionian revolt, came to Sparta to try to convince Cleomenes to invade the Persian Empire. He cited the "disgrace" suffered by the Ionians in Anatolia and weaved further tales of the wealth and resources to be reaped from an empire as vast as Persia. When he learned that the journey to Asia would take three months by sea, however, Cleomenes turned down Aristagoras' proposal and told him
Lloyd Bitzer&#;s article, &#;The Rhetorical Situation,&#; makes the claim that it is the situation that determines when, how, and if rhetoric occurs. In the beginning of the article, Bitzer clarifies what he means about the connection between rhetoric and a situation. A rhetorical situation is not just one that contains discourse. A rhetorical situation can come and go without anyone taking advantage of the moment and speaking. The discourse can even occur within one&#;s own head. Furthermore, it is not the discourse that creates the situation; &#;it is the situation which calls the discourse into existence.&#; (2)
This article made me think of a number of movies where great speeches occur but last night while watching , I realized that Queen Gorgo&#;s speech to the council at the end is a perfect example of a rhetorical situation. Bitzer claims that rhetoric comes into existence for something besides the discourse. The discourse is used to try to motivate people to a course of action in order t
The Daughter, the Wife, and the Mother of a King
A bronze statue, likely of a Spartan woman. c. BCE. (British Museum).
Gorgo was the Queen of Sparta and wife to Leonidas I, the king who led his Spartan soldiers (along with over Greek soldiers) to the battle of Thermopylae. She was the only known child of King Cleomenes (her husband’s half-brother) and while her mother is unknown, she was certainly from Sparta as Gorgo rose to become Queen of Sparta in her own right; a title that could not be held by anyone except a true Spartan woman. Her name is a derivative from the Greek word ‘Gorgon’ meaning terrifying, and with the legacy that Queen Gorgo left, we can only assume that this was relatively true. While we are uncertain as to her year of birthday, it can be safely dated to between and BCE.
Gorgo is one of the only females mentioned repeatedly by name by Herodotus in his Histories at various important events in her lifetime, showing that she was afforded a respect that many women of the same time period were not granted.
Spartan women of nobility held a much more satisfying quality of life than their Athenian cou
10 Most Famous Women of Ancient Greece
Women in ancient Greece lived under a patriarchal system, often confined to domestic roles and limited rights. However, a number of women defied these norms and left indelible marks on history. Some were celebrated for their intelligence, courage, and achievements, while others gained notoriety for their bold actions and rebellion against societal expectations.
Below are ten noble and notorious women who shaped ancient Greek history and mythology.
Sappho of Lesbos
Known for: Poetry and Literature
Sappho is arguably the most renowned female poet of ancient Greece. Born on the island of Lesbos around BCE, she wrote lyrical poetry that celebrated love, beauty, and personal emotion. Her works were so influential that Plato referred to her as the &#;Tenth Muse.&#; Sappho’s poetry often explored themes of love and desire among women, contributing to her reputation as a cultural and literary icon. Though much of her work has been lost, her legacy endures through fragments that capture her genius.
Sappho of Lesbos
Aspasia of Miletus
Known for: Political Influence and Intellectual Prowess
Aspasia, born in Miletus around BCE,
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