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What was unique about Aspasia?
428 BC. 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.
Why was Aspasia so influential in classical Greek culture?
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. In any event, she became a courtesan.
What did Aspasia do for Pericles?
After Pericles’ death in 429 BCE from the plague at Athens, 430-427 BCE, Aspasia became the companion of his friend Lysicles (d. 428 BCE), whom she first knew as an uneducated sheep merchant. Prior to Pericles’ death, Aspasia had helped transform Lysicles into an Athenian political leader and general.
Why was Aspasia a controversial woman in Athens?
The greatest recognizable cause of Aspasia’s controversy would be her position as a renowned courtesan in Athens. Unlike prostitutes or women of the time, Aspasia was a talented ‘hetairai’, a higher class escort than the simple prostitute, that had “intellectual training and possessed artistic talents” (Pomeroy, 1994).
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.
What is the meaning of Aspasia?
In Greek Baby Names the meaning of the name Aspasia is: Welcome. Famous bearer: Aspasia was a 5th century BC mistress of the Athenian statesman Pericles.
Did Aspasia write the funeral oration?
In 431 BC, Pericles delivered his famous ‘Funeral Oration’, glorifying the war dead, a speech written by Aspasia as Plato later joked.
What did Aspasia teach Socrates?
‘ And according to the tradition, Aspasia was such a compellingly persuasive speaker that she taught both Pericles the great military general, and Socrates the great philosopher, how to speak persuasively, and how to win others over.
What did Socrates love most?
Being the great philosopher that he was, he had quite a different take on the issue. Socrates strove to find the truth in love. He was the “ideal lover of wisdom”, never allowing himself to divert from the real pursuit of beauty: Since beauty is one of the true and ultimate objectives of love.
Is Aspasia a girls name?
The name Aspasia is primarily a female name of Greek origin that means Welcome, Embrace.
What happened to Aspasia?
Aspasia, (flourished 5th century bc), mistress of the Athenian statesman Pericles and a vivid figure in Athenian society. Although Aspasia came from the Greek Anatolian city of Miletus and was not a citizen of Athens, she lived with Pericles from about 445 until his death in 429.