The Spartan Government did truly view their women as equals. Spartan women, like Queen Gorgo, had a reputation for being very bold, opinionated, and confident. Many compare the boldness, qualities, and freedom of Spartan women to that of a modern American woman. “Only the hard and strong may call themselves Spartans” (Miller & Varley). King Leonidas recognizes the strength of his women. The women of Sparta were indeed Spartans. They were respected and celebrated as members of the Spartan society. Aristotle criticized this view stating that the fall of a country would be at the hands of a woman. Many other Greco-Roman societies did not view women as Sparta did, this set Sparta apart from other Greek and Roman city-states. They had an advanced way of thinking that made them a superior society in this prospect. However, women did not have the right to vote in Sparta but they had a big influence behind the scenes. In order for a woman of Sparta to be considered a true Spartan and granted citizenship, they had to pass a physical test at the age of 18. After acquiring citizenship, a Spartan woman was then allowed to marry and bear children. Spartan woman compared to other Greek societies had babies later in life, which allowed them to be emotionally and physically as healthy as possible in order to bear healthy and strong Spartan
The Spartan Government did truly view their women as equals. Spartan women, like Queen Gorgo, had a reputation for being very bold, opinionated, and confident. Many compare the boldness, qualities, and freedom of Spartan women to that of a modern American woman. “Only the hard and strong may call themselves Spartans” (Miller & Varley). King Leonidas recognizes the strength of his women. The women of Sparta were indeed Spartans. They were respected and celebrated as members of the Spartan society. Aristotle criticized this view stating that the fall of a country would be at the hands of a woman. Many other Greco-Roman societies did not view women as Sparta did, this set Sparta apart from other Greek and Roman city-states. They had an advanced way of thinking that made them a superior society in this prospect. However, women did not have the right to vote in Sparta but they had a big influence behind the scenes. In order for a woman of Sparta to be considered a true Spartan and granted citizenship, they had to pass a physical test at the age of 18. After acquiring citizenship, a Spartan woman was then allowed to marry and bear children. Spartan woman compared to other Greek societies had babies later in life, which allowed them to be emotionally and physically as healthy as possible in order to bear healthy and strong Spartan