The death of loved ones in battle, for example, had minimal impact on their belief in the worth of military victory. Cf. He's shown what kind of blood he has in him, and she added that brave men should not be howled over but should be under medical care. ", b Another, when her son was being tried for some offence, said to him, My child, either rid yourself of the charges, or rid yourself of life.. Another, when her son came back to her from field of battle wounded in the foot, and in great pain, said, f"If you remember your valour, my child, you will feel no pain, and be quite cheerful. All because of a simple misunderstanding. Everything we have about the Spartans (honestly, just read Plutarchs Sayings of Spartan Women, but also Xen. a Another, when her son came back to her from the field of battle wounded in the foot, and in great pain, said, If you remember your valour, my child, you will feel no pain, and be quite cheerful.a, 15. And when they proceeded to tell of his greatness, and declared that he was the best of all the Spartans in such enterprises, she said, "Sirs, my son was a gude and honourable mon, but Sparta has mony a mon dbetter than him. The culture of Sparta is one thats etched in history, but there are still some things you probably dont know about the Spartan army. 27.7 Spartan woman who was up for sale and was asked what skills she possessed, said: To be trustworthy., 28. 15, etc.) 19 The Spartans had three basic core values discipline, courage, and obedience. "4, 2 433 (or W.R.Paton, The Greek Anthology (inL.C.L.), IIp238). She did not remove the garland from her head, but with a proud air said to the women near her, "How much more noble, my friends, bto be victorious on the field of battle and meet death, than to win at the Olympic games and live! Do share your thoughts with us in the comment section and tell us which one was your favoritefrom all ofthe Spartan quotesor if you want to ask any questions or have any queries send them viaContact Us. So give respect and honor to him, and it will be returned to you. , , F, , , , After a brief examination of the Spartan civilization in general, and a quick look at the lives of the men for context, were going to shift our focus and take a look at the tough-as-nails backbone of Sparta: its women! And when he said, "All have perished," she took up a tile and, hurling it at him, killed him, saying, "And so they sent you to bear the bad news to us! Another, in answer to her son who said that the sword which he carried was short,c said, Add a step to it., 19. Spartan Mother. - Being asked by a woman from Attica, Why is it that you Spartan women are the only women that lord it over your men? she said, Because we are the only women that are When asked by a woman from Attica: Why are you Spartan women the only ones who can rule men?, she said: Because we are also the only ones who give birth to men., 6. fHe has shown from what blood he was sprung." One woman, observing her son coming towards her, inquired, "How fares our country?" Plutarch, The Spartans were a paradoxical people. Either behave better or stay there with no hope of a safe return to Sparta., 12. "Why are you Spartan women the only ones who can rule men?" Geraldine Brooks, All the words are already there when you're singing onstage, it's fantastic. Another was burying her son, when a commonplace old woman came up to her and said, "Ah the bad luck of it, you puir woman." 1 She asked if her son had died nobly, in a manner worthy of Sparta. Sayings of Spartan Bravery of Women (Loeb Classical Library 245) by Plutarch Plutarch and Frank Cole Babbitt | 1 Jul 1989. 3. "No, by Heaven," said she, "but good luck; for Ibore him that he might die for Sparta, dand this is the very thing that has come to pass for me. ARCHILEONIS. b The Spartans were a paradoxical people. ), Thats fine, for I shall show that it isnt positions which lend men distinction, but men who enhance positions. Unknown, The walls of Sparta were its young men, and its borders the points of their spears. Agesilaus, Spartan King, So that we may get close to the enemy. Agesilaus, Spartan King (on why Spartans fought with short swords), The Spartans do not ask how many are the enemy but where are they. Plutarch, From the time he could stand, he was baptized in the fire of combat. Life of Agesilaus, chap. ", 29 The education of women was a uniquely Spartan concept within the polis, Spartan women were well educated a Search form clear. "From the secon she saw him," I agreed. , . The Klingons of ancient Greece speak. They were the biggest slave owners in Greece. the Palatine Anthology, VIIno. It is more pleasing to hear that he died in a manner worthy of myself, his country, and his ancestors than if he had lived for all time a coward."11. Spartans, eat well, for tonight we dine in Hades. There is no use for bravery unless justice is present, and no need for bravery if all men are Prepare for glory! King Leonidas, 300, The world will know that free men stood against a tyrant, that few stood against many. Another who was being sold as a slave, when the crier inquired of her what she knew how to do, said, "To be free." %PDF-1.3 ", 28 Molon Labe is a classical expression of defiance which is related to Spartans and has been widely used by many gun-rights groups. 1.4, 7-8, Plut. Gorgo, Queen Of Sparta, Dryness promotes the formation of flower buds flowering is, after all, not an aesthetic contribution, but a survival mechanism. When another woman heard that her son was behaving badly abroad, she wrote to him: 4 You've acquired a bad reputation. You can't even play a female role., 5. p469 Sayings of Romans. Send it for justice. Plutarch was an admirer of the old Spartan virtues, and it seems altogether probable that the collection of sayings of Spartans was made by him as literary material for use in his writing, as he tells us was his custom (Moralia, 457 d and 464 f), and many of the sayings are actually found incorporated in his other works. There is much our cultures could share. Xerxes, 300, Freedom isnt free at all, that it comes with the highest of costs. 22b As she was encouraging her husband Leonidas, when he was about to set out for Thermopylae, to show himself worthy of Sparta, she asked what she should do; and he said, "Marry a good man, and bear good children. This is the epigram12 referring to her: Sinner against our laws, Damatrius, slain by his mother. reinforces the impression that spartiate women were viewed primarily as a means towards producing spartiate boys. 12 Another, asked by a man if she would be good if he bought her, said, "Yes, and if you do not buy me. And by Spartan law, we will stand and fight, and die. Leonidas, 300, Now eat a good breakfast, men. "We are the only women who raise men," the Spartan lady replied Plutarch, How quickly the apparently solidly laid foundation of one's existence could crumble." Lyc. c Neil DeGrasse Tyson, I am not alone in this. makes a more serious error in confusing this Acrotatus with his grandfather of the same name. "2, 1 ISBN-10: 0674992709. Do you know that Sparta is still a town in Greece and there are around 35000 Spartans living there? p467was mine." ""Ugh, Ben! Another, when her son was being tried for some offence, said to him, My child, either rid yourself of the charges, or rid yourself of life., 13. the somewhat similar story about Xenophon in "8, 1 When she had watched Aristagoras having his shoes put on and laced by one of the servants, she said, "Father, the foreigner hasn't any hands! King Leonidas: Persians, come and get them. 300 Quote, Queen Gorgo: Do not be coy or stupid, Persian. 25 A Spartan woman, being asked if she had made advances to her husband, said, "No, but my husband has made them to me." Add to Wishlist. my copyright page "29, d I winced at the bad joke."What? 100 Robin Williams Quotes About Life, Love, Happiness, 100 Peter Drucker Quotes On Management, Leadership, 100 Thomas Jefferson Quotes On Law, Truth, Freedom, 100+ Thomas Alva Edison Quotes On Failure, Success, Mistakes. Florence Welch, Foreign lady once remarked to the wife of a Spartan commander that the women of Sparta were the only women in the world who could rule men. The link was not copied. Agirl had secret relations with a man, and, after bringing on an abortion, she bore up so bravely, not uttering a single sound, that her delivery took place without the knowledge of her father and others who were near. Not only were the boys taught how to endure pain and hardship but also how to fight effectively in battles. After seeing Aristagoras having his shoes put on by one of his servants, she said: Father, the stranger has no hands., 4. This is where they die! Useless pup, worthless portion, away to Hell. And then she leaned across the broken body of her son and the words turned to dust in her throat. Of somewhat similar character is this: Chian exiles came to Sparta, and accused Paedaretus of many misdeeds; ewhereupon his mother Teleutia sent for them and, after listening to their complaints, feeling that her son was in the wrong, sent him this letter: "Mither to Paedaretus. - Being asked by a woman from Attica, Why is it that you Spartan women are the only women that lord it over your men? she said, Because we are the only women that are mothers of men., - One woman sent forth her sons, five in number, to war, and, standing in the outskirts of the city, she awaited anxiously the outcome of the battle. Another woman, when her son was on trial for a crime, said: Son, release yourself either from the charge or from life., 13. Gorgo, daughter of king Cleomenes, when Aristagoras of Miletus was urging her father to enter upon the war against the Persian king in behalf of the Ionians, promising a vast sum of money, and, in answer to Cleomenes' objections, making the amount larger and larger, said, "Father, the miserable foreigner will be your ruin if you don't get him out of the house pretty soon! When a Spartan woman was asked if she had made advances to a man, she said: No, I didn't. Imaginewhat horrible fate awaits myenemieswhen I would gladly kill any of my own men for victory. Ancient writers were not agreed whether the second half meant to fall upon the shield (dead or wounded) or to be brought home dead upon it. Spartans never surrender! The Ancient Customs of the Spartans. Leonidas, Spartan King. As a man was narrating to his mother the noble death of his brother, she said, "Isn't it a shame, then, to have missed his company on such a journey? , ., 15. 9. 20 Classicist Sarah B. Pomeroy comprehensively analyzes ancient texts and archaeological evidence to construct the world of these elusive though much noticed females. There is no use for bravery unless justice is present, and no need for bravery if all men are just. Agesilaus, Spartan King, If you confer a benefit, never remember it; if you receive one, never forget it. Chilon of Sparta, The Spartans are the equal of any men when they fight as individuals; fighting together as a collective, they surpass all other men. Demaratus, Spartan King, King Phillip II: If I invade Lakonia you will be destroyed, never to rise again. When a messenger came from Crete to report Acrotatus' death she said: Wasn't it inevitable that, when he proceeded against the enemy, either he would be killed by them or he would kill them? 61 Bonnie And Clyde Movie Quotes With Ride Or Die Attitude, 110 Trust Yourself Quotes To Build The Self Trust & Confidence, 120 Nikola Tesla Quotes On Success, Future, Love, Life, 100 Best Robin Sharma Quotes On Life, Love, Change, 200+ Michael Jackson Quotes On Love, Life, Success, 100 Virginia Woolf Quotes On Life, Death, Writing, Books, 100+ Deepak Chopra Quotes On Gratitude, Love, Wisdom. 16 Another, as her son was going forth to war, said, as she gave the shield into his hands, This shield your father kept always safe for you; do you, therefore, keep it safe, or cease to live., 18. The cost of blood. Queen Gorgo, 300. The women were fiercely proud of this however, often saying that Spartan women are the only women that are mothers of men (363). Another, when her sons had run away from battle and come to her, said, "Where have you come now in your cowardly flight, vile varlets? Give them nothing, but take from them everything. This is the epigram referring to her:13. "23, 17 Apage or image on this site is in the public domain ONLY if its URL has a total of one *asterisk. Iencourage you, gentle reader, to follow that link. Search. Spartan Reply: IF Spartan Quote, Go tell the Spartans, stranger passing by, that here, obedient to their laws, we lie. Simonides, Greek Poet, Then we shall fight in the shade. Spartan leader Dieneces, (upon being told that the Persian army had so many arrows that they could hide the sun), He who sweats more in training bleeds less in war. Spartan Creed, The daughters of Sparta are never at home! and Ibelieve it to be free of errors. 25 | Contact Us If you can connect with theseSpartan quotes, subscribe to our blog so that you dont miss a single post. 1. On her husband Leonidas' departure for Thermopylae, while urging him to show himself worthy of Sparta, she asked what she should do. It wont be long before they fear my spears more than your whips. King Leonidas, 300, I amherefor all thosevoiceswhich cannot be heard: mothers, daughters, fathers,sons, three hundred families that bleed for our rights. ', she said: 'Because we are the only ones who give birth to men. Which Aspects of Your Life Are Forecasted By Your Age? Spartan Quotes. Sayings of Spartan Women. Then he smiled, adding, "And here I didn't think Rayna was a stable person.""Oooooh." Plutarch Top Spartan Women Quotes When asked by a woman from Attica:'Why are you Spartan women the only ones who can rule men? When a foreigner made advances in a mild and leisurely way, she pushed him aside, saying, "Get away from here, you who cannot play a woman's part either! % Here we are sharing a collection of Spartan quotes and sayings about strength and death by the spartan warriors to motivate and inspire you to fight the battle of your life with all you have. When the Milesian Aristagoras was urging Cleomenes to make war against the Great King in support of the Ionians2 and was promising him quantities of money, and also adding more to meet his objections, the king's daughter Gorgo said: Father, this miserable little foreigner will ruin you completely unless you drive him out of the house pretty quickly., 2. As they heaped praise on him and declared that in his exploits he was the best of all the Spartans, she said: Strangers, my son was indeed noble and brave, but Sparta has many better men than he., (Daughter of King Cleomenes I, born about 506. 241 Another, hearing that her son had been slain fighting bravely in the line of battle, said, Yes, he, 2022 President and Fellows of Harvard College, Copy this link, or click below to email it to a friend. 1 , , Another woman who had been taken prisoner and was being asked much the same question, said: To manage a household well., 29. The broken cities, the burned barns, the innocent injured beasts, the ruined bodies of the boys we bore and the men we lay with.The waste of it. Close search form. Unlike other Greek women, Spartan women could own land and property and make all decisions on how it was to be run. Frank Miller, I ought to tell you I'm probably your cousin. Diogenes Laertius, VI.44, where Diogenes the cynic goes Gorgo one better. 28 Another, taken captive, and asked a similar question, said, "To manage a house well." "22b, 15 III 4 3 0 obj 50 Spartan Quotes, Sayings, Phrases About Strength, Death. Pausanias When a woman from Attica asked Why is it that you Spartans are the only women who can rule men? , ,, 12. As a woman was burying her son, a worthless old crone came up to her and said: You poor woman, what a misfortune! No, by the two gods, a piece of good fortune, she replied, because I bore him so that he might die for Sparta, and that is what has happened, as I wished.. by Plutarch, Frank Cole Babbitt | Read Reviews. Plutarch, Moralia Sayings of Spartan Women 242c-d A certain girl who lost her virginity to a man in secret and forced an abortion of the fetus handled is so strongly and uttered no sound that she birthed the child without her father and those who were near her knowing. 12 When asked by a woman from Attica: 'Why are you Spartan women the only ones who can rule men? The city was used to be a brutal civilization but now it is more a wonderful place for historians to visit. All Rights Reserved. Moralia,246A, and Teles as quoted by Stobaeus, Florilegium, CVIII.83. Another, when her son was being tried for some offence, said to him, "My child, either rid yourself of the charges, or rid yourself of life. Away! Another woman, as she was handing her son his shield and giving him some encouragement, said: Son, either with this or on this.6, 17. So you must either keep it safe too, or cease to exist., 18. ", 242 Gorgo replied, Because we are the only ones who give birth to ., 17. of the Send it for reason. I only let him do to me what men have ever done to women: march off to empty glory and hollow acclaim and leave us behind to pick up the pieces. Instead, ask yourself what should a free man do? Queen Gorgo, 300, Xerxes: It isntwiseto stand against me. Sayings of Romans. Either shake this off or cease to exist., 11. And when the purchaser ordered her to do something not fitting for a free woman, she said, "You will be sorry that your meanness has cost you such a possession," and committed suicide."30. Another woman, in reply to her son who declared that the sword he had was a small one, said: Then extend it by a stride., 19. Plutarch's The Ancient Customs of the Spartans. This is not a rhetorical rebuff: see Plutarch's 1) "With your shield, or on it." Bravery of Women available in Hardcover. Another, as she accompanied a lame son on his way to the field of battle, said, "At every step,b my child, remember your valour. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1931. Sparta is the warrior society of ancient Greece and the Spartans arose from the city-state of Sparta. If you find a mistake though, 1. Then when Ibecame a married woman, my husband took that place. But learning in regard to her other son that he had played the coward and saved his life, she said, "No, he was not mine. In much the same way Chian exiles, too, came to Sparta and levelled many accusations against Pedaritus; his mother Teleutia sent for them, heard their charges, and having concluded that her son was in the wrong, sent him this message: 5 His mother to Pedaritus. A woman, when she saw her son approaching, asked how their country was doing. Author: Patrick Suskind. We must send the entire Spartan army to aid our king in the preservation of not just ourselves, but of our children. When asked by a woman from Attica:'Why are you Spartan women the only ones who can rule men? Let every Greek assembled know the truth of this. Was of the Spartan youth; she was of Sparta too. Sayings of Spartans. Spartan Sayings. Cf. When another woman heard that her son had died fighting bravely in the battle-line, she said: Yes, you were mine. But when she learned that her other son was still alive as a result of his cowardice, she said: No, you were not mine., 20. << /Filter /FlateDecode /Length 8312 >> "27, 23 It's a paradox that they were a bunch of people who in many ways were fascist, but they were the bulwark against the fall of democracy. Thucydides, II.39. Gorgo later became the wife of Leonidas. ""You're saying I should rein in the humor? Henry James, The West - the very words go straight to that place of the heart where Americans feel the spirit of pride in their western heritage - the triumph of personal courage over any obstacle, whether nature or man. Cf. Its totally FREE. Gorgo, Queen of Sparta and wife of Leonidas, as quoted by Loeb Classical Library edition, We hope these Spartan quotes, sayings, phrases by the spartan warrior will awake your inner warrior and inspire you to take on your lifes battles. Moralia, Volume III: Sayings of Kings and Commanders. - King Leonidas. The Ancient Customs of the Spartans. 18 No place for weakness. I'm just horsing around. "Because we are also the only ones who give birth to men." 22a We would like to show you a description here but the site wont allow us. as published in Vol. 27 A Spartan woman who was being sold as a slave, when asked what she knew how to do, said, "To be faithful." "7, 6 I sit here, and I look at him, and it is as if a hundred women sit beside me: the revolutionary farm wife, the English peasant woman, the Spartan mother-'Come back with your shield or on it,' she cried, because that was what she was expected to cry. For well all be sharing dinner in hell. Leonidas, Spartan King, Come and take the them. Leonidas, Spartan King, Give them nothing, but take from them, everything. King Leonidas, 300, Spartans! See Cf.,for example, the scholium on Argileonis, the mother of Brasidas, when her son had met his death,1 and some of the citizens of Amphipolis arrived at Sparta and came to her, asked if her son had met his death honourably and in a manner worthy of Sparta. An age of freedom, and all will know, that 300 Spartans gave their last breath to defend it! King Leonidas, 300, Spartans, eat well, for tonight we dine in Hades. King Leonidas, 300, You have many slaves, but few warriors. It truly represents the work of | Privacy Policy A woman, after sending off her five sons to war, stood on the outskirts of the city to watch anxiously what the outcome of the battle might be. Remember this day, for it will be yours for all time. King Leonidas, 300, Spartans never retreat! "21, 11 Another, hearing that her son had fallen on the field of battle, said:15, "Let the poor cowards be mourned, but, with never a tear doI bury, You, my son, who are mine, yea, and are Sparta's as well. QueenGorgo: Then youfightwith your heart. 300 Quote, This is where we hold them! ., 18. When an Ionian woman was priding herself on one of the tapestries she had made (which was indeed of great value), a Spartan woman showed off her four most dutiful sons and said they were the kind of thing a noble and good woman ought to produce, and should boast of them and take pride in them. Hilary Duff, If the United States commits to the goal of reaching Mars, it will almost certainly do so in reaction to the progress of other nations - as was the case with NASA, the Apollo program, and the project that became the International Space Station. 2 Another, hearing that her son had been killed in battle on the spot where he had been placed, said, "Lay him away, and let his brother take his place. And with these words she pulled up her garment and showed them.16a, 5 19 Gyrtias, when on a time Acrotatus, her grandson, in a fight with other boys received many blows, and was brought home for dead, and the family and friends were all wailing, said, "Will you not stop your noise? ", 3 26. 12. These Spartan quotes and sayings will inspire you to take on lifes battles. ., 13. They were trained from birth, and they had to follow a strict set of rules all their lives. "20, 10 7 13 29 Another, asked by a man if she would be good if he bought her, said, "Yes, and if you do notbuy me." Once when her father told her to give grain to some man as a means of payment and added: It's because he taught me how to make our wine really good, she said: In that case, father, much more wine will be drunk and the drinkers will also be more fussy and will degenerate., 3. 12. , ., 24219. Today, however, were going to take a slightly different approach to this conversation. Messenger: What makes this woman thinks she can speak among men? Sayings of Spartan Women. Sayings of Spartan Women. 2. for details and contact information. The Spartans were the best warriors of ancient Greece. Either wipe this out now or cease to exist.. p457taste good," she said, e"Then, father, there will be more wine drunk, and the drinkers will become more intemperate and depraved. In ancient Sparta, as in all other Greek city-states, the top priority for boys was becoming disciplined. He was mortified at being so ridiculous; but his mother said to him, "How much better to be joyful over your bravery than to be mortified at silly laughter. Loeb Classical Library 245. John Wayne, Only Spartan women give birth to real men. ASpartan woman, being asked if she had made advances to her husband, said, "No, but my husband has made them to me."28. Translated by Frank Cole Babbitt. Taught never to retreat, never to surrender, but death on the battlefield in service to Sparta was the greatest glory he could achieve in his life. Dilios, 300, Learn to love deaths ink-black shadow as much as you love the light of dawn. Tyrtaeus, Spartan Poet, Feel no fear before the multitude of men, do not run in panic, but let each man bear his shield straight toward the fore-fighters, regarding his own life as hateful and holding the dark spirits of death as dear as the radiance of the sun. Spartan Proverb, Rise up, warriors, take your stand at one anothers sides, our feet set wide and rooted like oaks in the ground. 30 Moralia,331B; Stobaeus, Florilegium, VII.29; The meaning of Molon Labe is Come and take them. Sayings of Spartan Women. Another, as she handed her son his shield, exhorted him, saying, "Either this or upon this. Another, as she accompanied a lame son on his way to the field of battle, said, At every step, my child, remember your valour.a, 14. "c, 24 , The textbook claims that men were required to marry 26 A girl had secret relations with a man, and, after bringing Another woman, handing over the shield to her son as he was going off on campaign, said: Your father always used to keep this safe for you. You can lose yourself in what you've created. These rules are fascinating, and they can teach you a lot about how to be successful. Ann Zwinger, So Rayna and Nico," he said. ", 21 If the URL has two **asterisks, the item is copyright someone else, and used by permission or fair use. Send the army for the preservation ofliberty. , , 2 Images with borders lead to more information. Another, as she handed her son his shield, exhorted him, saying, Either this or upon this.b, 17. Once when her grandson Acrotatus was brought home from some boys' combat badly battered and seemingly dead, and both her family and friends were sobbing, Gyrtias said: Won't you keep quiet? Severus in Stobaeus, Florilegium, V.47, and the similar story of the Roman Cornelia, the mother of the Gracchi. 433, or W.R.Paton, The Greek Anthology (inL.C.L.), IIp238. Some Amphipolitans came to Sparta and visited Archileonis, the mother of Brasidas, after her son's death.1 She asked if her son had died nobly, in a manner worthy of Sparta. 1931. 11 Bravery of Women. Spartans are widely known for their spirit and war tactics. 3 Moralia,227E, supra, and the note. "25, 20 Another, hearing about her son that he was conducting himself badly in a foreign land, wrote to him, "Ill report is spread about ye; pit this from ye or else stop yer living. 26 This son unworthy of Sparta was not mine at all. While taking part in a public procession another woman heard of her son's success in the battle-line but also of his death from many wounds. Plutarch Translated She said: Yet this isn't what I asked you, vile slave, but rather how our country was doing. When he said that it was winning, she remarked: Then I gladly accept the death of my sons too., 8. Cf. Life of Lycurgus, 15.69. And while youre at it, search your own. King Leonidas, 300, No retreat, no surrender; that is Spartan law. Once when her father told her to give some grain to a man by way of remuneration, and added, "It is because he showed me how to make the wine 27 A Spartan woman who was being sold as a slave, when asked what she knew how to do, said,"To be faithful." In support of the second (traditional) interpretation Cf. Eurotas does not flow even for timorous deer. Women get into the act Return with your shield or on it. supposed statement of Spartan mothers to their sons as they left for battle. Enjoy reading and share 11 famous quotes about Spartan Women with everyone. the note on Moralia,218D(4), where the same idea is attributed to Archidamus. "18, 8 7 ", 16 Aither dae better, or stay where ye are, and gie up hope o'gaen back safe to Sparta. , , And when someone arrived and, in answer to her inquiry, reported that all her sons had met death, she said, for never Ibore Sparta's unworthy son.14, p461 2. Another woman when on sale was asked by the auctioneer what skills she had and said: To be free. When the man who bought her kept ordering her to perform certain services unfitting for a free woman, she declared: You'll be sorry that you didn't decide not to make a purchase like this!, and committed suicide. Only the hard, only the strong. Dillios, 300, Persian Warrior: Spartans, lay down your weapons. Hopethat a king and his men have not been wasted to the pages of history and that their courage bonds us together, that we are made stronger by theiractions, and that yourchoicestoday reflect theirbravery. Queen Gorgo, 300, The Gods will take care of the Kings Army. Demaratus, Spartan King, It is not a question of what a Spartan citizen should do, nor a husband, nor a king. This page has been carefully proofread Sparta has always posed a challenge to ancient Short URL for this page: Referred to Gorgo as the author by Aristotle in his 10. It is fearlessness, and it is love. Vince Lombardi, King Leonidas: A Spartans true strength is the warrior next to him. For the encounter of propriety with impropriety served to override her tremendous pain. It's a paradox that they were a bunch Bravery of Women. Asomewhat similar incident occurred in my own life, when Iwas a twenty-yearold with my first civilian job in Schenectady,NY: my parents came to visit, and we were sitting in a restaurant, where Iwas going on about my forthcoming trip to Europe; my mother kept on nudging me that Ihad no plans to go see Bern in Switzerland, where Iwas born, and Ikept on saying that there was no reason for me to go there. 2. For the confronting of her indecorum with decorum gained the victory over the poignant distress of her pains. , , , 1 According to the tales, Spartan women possessed considerable endurance and courage. , When presented with terrible circumstances, they acted courageously, showing no symptoms of despair or weakness. 30. 2. These values were the top priorities of Spartans as you can read in the Spartan quotes below. "5, 3 "6, 4 Another, as she 4. Sayings of Spartans. If the URL has none the item is Bill Thayer. p463"Idid not inquire about that, you vile varlet, but how fares our country?" "19, 9 Another Spartan woman made away with her son, who had deserted his post, on the ground that he was unworthy of his country, saying, "Not mine the scion." Thus, for example, Another Spartan woman killed her son, who had deserted his post because he was unworthy of Sparta. 10 Only Spartan women give birth to real men. Finally, my father put an end to it, raising his voice slightly so the neighbouring tables could hear: "Alright dear show him where he was born.". ", 18 Aman sent to a Spartan woman to ask if she were inclined to look with favour upon seduction; she replied, "When Iwas a child Ilearned to obey my father, and made that my practice. ", 5 He said: Marry a good man and bear good children.. They mingle with the young men in wrestling matches. Euripides, Mental toughness is spartanism with qualities of sacrifice, self-denial, dedication. 26 You can afford neither in Sparta! 5. When a stranger in a finely embroidered robe was making advances to her, she rejected him with the words: Won't you get out of here? This woman's words, 2500years later, have been fittingly adopted as the motto of This is a collection of 10 spartan quotes and sayings. "17, c ASpartan woman who was being sold as a slave, when asked what she knew how to do, said, "To be faithful. 300 is an Americanepichistoricalaction film that was released in 2007 starer Gerard Butler as King Leonidas and Lena Headey as Queen Gorgo. GORGO DAMATRIA OTHER SPARTAN WOMEN TO FAME UNKNOWN Of the Sayings of Spartan Women the same may be said as of the Sayings of Spartans. Sayings of Romans. As someone was describing his brother's noble death to his mother, she said: Isn't it a disgrace, then, not to have gone on such a fine journey with him?, 7. Some Amphipolitans came to Sparta and visited Archileonis, the mother of Brasidas, after her son's death. First, youfightwith your head. ", c Another woman, when her sons fled from a battle and reached her, said: In making your escape, vile slaves, where is it you've come to? 28 Another, taken captive, and asked a similar question, said, "To manage a ", 13 learn to love deaths ink-black shadow as much as you love the light of dawn. (VIII.27.11) Sayings of Spartans. To hear that he died in a fashion worthy of me and the city and his ancestors is pleasanter than if he were immortal but a coward.. - Gorgo. But he made them to me.. When it comes to ancient history, there arent many texts that are as well-preserved as the ancient Greek culture. x[yW8$E+>X.\Z$Wb?yn.wH4T5~|/nj^W o.zq\|{\-~vfSzb~X\nv?}3? King Leonidas: And I would die for any one of mine. 300 Quote, Theres no room for softness not in Sparta. , Your current browser may not support copying via this button. 6 Moralia,235A, and Another, hearing that her son had been saved and had run away from the enemy, wrote to him, "Ill report is spread about ye; aither clear yersel' of this or stop yer living. The growth of the power of Athens and the alarm which this inspired in Sparta made war inevitable. Thucydides A Spartan woman, as she handed her son his shield, exhorted him Lac. Go spread theword. ", 6 When he said: All the men are dead, she picked up a tile, threw it at him and killed him, saying: Then, did they send you to bring us the bad news?, 6. Do you intend to slink in here whence you came forth?" Sayings of Spartan Women. 5 Apoor girl, being asked what dowry she brought to the man who married her, said, "The family virtue. She said: When I was a child I learned to obey my father, and I did so; then when I became a woman I obeyed my husband; so if this man is making me a proper proposal, let him put it to my husband first., 24. A girl who had been secretly deflowered and then brought on a miscarriage exercised such self-control letting out not a single cry that neither her father nor her neighbours besides were aware of her delivery. Cf. "22a, 14 }HDUqy2TLn?G&WS/ojL;)}=kKpY2u)d,r*M7orPph9hB#rKD\b8scx@]M-EC!7&`OCTSP3mTwd_"/(4; [|nk1QR$Ap>:`+mWnmW?kcp X]{v\s{mu)TQ60QaWKlU'W |vwbB MJhJ*si=kbx>7!`@)bZ\aN/+~),p;ZPtSojGH9 1p[hg:eJ{we~,rV~g =+n7hJiKBakc>se^gva:|LTw`4*6_eM9@H$ kgG9$)s. https://bit.ly/SpartanWomenE, This webpage reproduces the essay But his mother said: Son, isn't it really much better to rejoice in your courage than to feel ashamed of being laughed at by idiots?, 16. Son of AreusI, king of Sparta. Only the hard and strong may call themselves Spartans. Cf. "26, 22 Cf. When a visitor comments that Spartan women are the only women who could rule men, the queen of Sparta gave the following response as a reason - that they can rule men Aphorisms, as quoted by Stobaeus, Florilegium, VII.31, but it is often spoken of as a regular Spartan custom. - King Leonidas. DOI: 10.4159/DLCL.plutarch-moralia_sayings_spartan_women.1931. | About Us Another woman, when she heard that her son had died in battle right at his place in the line, said: Bury him and let his brother fill his place., 21. When another woman heard that her son had fallen in the battle-line, she said: Let there be weeping for cowards; but you, child, without a tear. Another woman, when her son arrived back from the battlefield wounded in the foot and in terrible pain, said: Son, if you bear courage in mind, you will have no pain and will be in good spirits too., 15.A Spartan who had been wounded in battle and was unable to walk made his way on all fours, ashamed of being laughed at. Show Greek Keyboard Terms Privacy Policy SAYINGS OF SPARTAN WOMEN. Moralia,118F. the variant version in the Palatine Anthology, VIIno. , But at the same time, Spartan women had an unusual level of rights. All rights reserved 20112022 My Ancient World. Cf. Send it for law and order. Many Hollywood movies such as Hercules, Xena: Warrior Princess, and 300 are inspired by the Spartans. Another woman, as she was sending her lame son up the battle-line, said: Son, with each step you take bear courage in mind., 14. 9 "They seem good together," Ben said. Lacaenarum Apophthegmata It would be nothing short of madness for you, brave king, and your valiant troops to perish. ", p465 And before this battle is over, that even a god king can bleed. King Leonidas, 300, If numbers are what matters, all Greece cannot match a small part of that army; but if courage is what counts, this number is sufficient. Leonidas, King of Sparta, Then his brother can take his place. One Spartan Mother ( in response to the news that her son had died in war), Come back with your shield, or upon it. Spartan Mother, Son, remember your courage with each step. Spartan Mother, Either quit your thieving or quit breathing. Spartan Mother, Freedom is what we reap from this way of life, my friend. Unknown, It will be the size of a lion when I bore down on my enemies. A Spartan (when asked why he had drawn a fly on his shield, instead of something more terrifying. After hearing that her son was a coward and unworthy of her, Damatria killed him when he made his appearance. | Sitemap |. The Spartan army reached the pinnacle of its power after defeating its rivals from Athens in the Peloponnesian War (431-404 B.C.). They were the biggest slave owners in Greece. ;, 16. So, when I read quotes of Spartan women, I hear high self-worth; placement of a high value on personal accountability, devotion to their husbands, their families, and the group as a whole; and in this regard, a very deep understanding of the importance of taking on and upholding one's personal role within this culture. Come and take the them.. Here is courage, mankinds finest possession, here is the noblest prize that a young man can endeavor to win. Tyrtaeus, Spartan Poet, You should reach the limits of virtue before you cross the border of death. Aristodemus, Spartan Warrior, A new age has begun. As a man was relating to his sister the noble death of her son, she said, "As glad as Iam for him, Iam sorry for you that you were left behind when you might have gone in such brave company. Another, hearing that her son had been slain fighting bravely in the line of battle, said, "Yes, he Cf. It is good to keep in mind that pretty much all ancient societies had norms and customs that we find repulsive today, from pederasty, to slavery, including sexual slavery, to killing of female You're controlling this freedom. Valerius Maximus, II.7, ext. Queen Gorgo: Because only Spartan women give birth to real men! 300 Quote, Your lips can finish what your fingers have started or has the Oracle robbed you of your desire as well? Queen Gorgo, 300, Unlike the cruel Leonidas, who demanded that you stand, I require only that you kneel. Xerxes, 300, It would be a regrettable waste. She declared: He was not my offspring for I did not bear one unworthy of Sparta' ( Sayings of Spartan Women, 241.1, quoted on p. 59). It was the response of King Leonidaswhen the enemy demanded his soldiers to lay down their weapons. he fell in battle at Megalopolis in265B.C., but the fact that his father Areus had been fighting in Crete may account for the intrusion of Crete here. ', she said: 'Because we are also the only ones who give birth to men.' 5 Being asked by a woman from Attica, Why is it that you Spartan women are the only women that lord it over your men, she said, Because we are the only women that are mothers of men. Or do you plan to creep back in here where you emerged from? At this she pulled up her clothes and exposed her belly to them. When asked what dowry she was giving the man marrying her, a poor girl said: My father's common sense., 25. Gorgo replied, Because we are the only ones who give birth to men. (Plutarch, Sayings of Spartan Women, 240.5 translated in Pomeroy, 2002, 60) The licence of the Lacedaemonian women defeats the intention of the Spartan constitution, and is adverse to good order of the State. Another, in answer to her son who said that the sword which he carried was short,24 said, "Add a step to it. When a woman from Ionia showed vast pride in a bit of her own weaving, which was very valuable, a Spartan woman pointed to her four sons, who were most well-behaved, and said, "Such should be the employments of the good and honourable woman, and it is over these that she should be elated and boastful. Do I bury: you are my son, and Sparta's too. Moralia, III: Sayings of Kings and Commanders. Cf. Another, engaged in conducting a solemn public procession, heard that her son was victorious on the field of battle, but that he was dying from the many wounds he had received. So the Eurotas flow not e'en for the timorous deer. He was mortified at being so ridiculous; but his mother said to him, How much better to be joyful over your bravery rather than to be mortified at silly laughter., 16. Available instantly. Married her uncle, King Leonidas I), 1. This is the epigram about her: Damatrius who broke the laws was killed by his mother . Being asked by a woman from Attica, "Why is it that you Spartan women are the only women that lord it over your men," she said, "Because we are the only women that are mothers of men. But at the same time, Spartan women had an unusual level of rights. Leonidas International, a nonprofit organization for the uplift and rehabilitation of physically and emotionally wounded warriors. The military might of Sparta is a prime example of this. please let me know! ., 14. Copyright 2022 Famous Quotes & Sayings. *xsi V_ljj>TG}:[H/_=U?$`1_J&\Eod].7PK\f4/"t5SkPrmVyfp HIhO"sA8=YNHIMOfq\7;2k9375cUA!x%5Yrw[cw)Z>QB43M/3AAM"PMAo*qA7=co BhJt2/y:-RqsX"7rk HvZ\[5G*1FsF%]qn|ypw85SJQZsTR*ZB%]@A7bC@uq-z8U\U,NQ"b;NUJf"/|ozGiu#.W]70T=U z_""e'?%1cz4 WoS]cWjOW1 ZV?/JW ?/JR]%??3_8.fX-ol`R=EY(e$4VfXA7NQv t3jOMI V9C2KnFnmd6; Z]JMAbxuO[U"_E#[aG8EWP?P[Ore&(r!PiBIeXMaydccya"L^+qaa%c>mWdaiPhj+A5eF^4Z/iH}Sd%((#9/h:m}wD43mw Bravery of Women. When some woman heard that her son had been saved and had escaped from the enemy, she wrote to him: You've been tainted by a bad reputation. The story is told also by Teles in Stobaeus, Florilegium, CVIII.83; cf. Cicero, Tusculan Disputations, I.42(102). As they heaped praise on him and declared that in his exploits he Damatria heard that her son had been a coward and unworthy of her, and when he arrived, she made away with him. Her reaction was not to remove her garland but to say proudly to the women near her: Friends, how much finer it is to die victorious in the battle-line than to win at the Olympic Games and live., 22. 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