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Described as one of the most beautiful and educated women of her era, Aspasia became the
consort of Pericles, leader of democratic Athens. Their relationship caused scandal in the
male-dominated world of Classical Athens, not only because the couple remained unmarried,
but because of her determination to be treated as an equal. Mixing with some the greatest
minds of her generation, and at the very centre of Athenian political life, Aspasia's story is
unique among the women of her time…
Aspasia 'First Lady of Athens'
ASPASIA ~
THE WOMAN BEHIND THE GREAT MEN of 5TH CENTURY B.C.
Throughout history many great contributors have either been eliminated or left out of
the western history, most of which are women, one being Aspasia of Miletus. Aspasia
came to Athens from Miletus, she was a highly educated women, from a literate
family. Aspasia is definitely an exception to the normal young women of the 5th
century, in which most women were not educated to any extent. Aspasia's
accomplishments are numerous and her knowledge and influence has effected many
great minds and thinkers including Plato, Pericles, and Socrates. For Aspasia, being a
non-Athenian, excluded her from the law that governed Athenian women, and
enabled her to live outside of these laws, making it possible for her to distinguish
herself as a great writer, rhetorician and philosopher. Because there is no physical
works of Aspasia available, all of Aspasia's work has survived only through the voice
of the men in which she influenced. Much of Aspasia's work was heard through the
voice of her lover Pericles. Aspasia is well known for her courtesan salon, a school
for girls of wealthy families. This salon was frequented by many great politicians and
philosopher, who would gather along with their wives or mistresses to indulge in her
knowledge and words. The salon would be used by these men as a way in which to
influence and pool intellectual minds. Through her teaching and influence, we have
the great works of Socrates, Plato and Pericles, whom are greatly respected for their
vast knowledge and contributions.
Aspasia's influence on these great men such as Plato, Xenophon, Cicero, Plutarch,
Athenaeus and of course Pericles is very evident in the manner in which these great
men contribute much of their own knowledge to the influence of Aspasia. Most
obviously Pericles is the one man that Aspasia most deeply influenced, not only by
her knowledge but also due to the physical relationship that the two had. One of the
great works that Aspasia most influenced Pericles would be his popular Funeral
Oration. Pericles ability to orate is greatly credited to Aspasia and her intellectual
influence she had on Pericles. Plato also, though not a lover, was greatly impressed
and influenced by Aspasia's intellect, as Plato openly credits her for her contribution
to Pericles Funeral Oration. Another great admirer of Aspasia is the great Socrates,
whom also openly credits Aspasia for Pericles being one of the great Greek orators, in
his Menexenus. Socrates also credits Aspasia as one of his own instructors of rhetoric.
Although Aspasia is by no means the only women to contribute so much to the history
of rhetoric and philosophy, the men she influenced made it possible for Aspasia's
work to be recognized. Not only has Aspasia's work influenced the greats such as
Socrates, Plato and Pericles, she will continue to influence the modern writer,
philosophers and orators through the works, writings and ideas of these men.