Sparta was a warrior society in ancient Greece that reached the height of its power after defeating rival city-state Athens in the Peloponnesian War (431-404 B.C.). Spartan culture was centered on loyalty to the state and military service. At age 7, Spartan boys entered a rigorous state-sponsored education, military training and socialization program. Known as the Agoge, the system emphasized duty, discipline and endurance. Although Spartan women were not active in the military, they were educated and enjoyed more status and freedom than other Greek women.
Thus, understanding of women in Persia during the reign of Darius and Xerxes is limited as sources found only briefly add to our understanding of the economic and social roles of non-royal and royal women throughout the empire. Royal women during the Persian Empire/ or the Achaemenid period, generally not recorded nor mentioned neither in inscriptions nor in palace reliefs. However stated by Brosius, they were able to own their own property and hire slaves to work for them. We can identify that during Darius’ reign, women were considered very important in acquiring authority as a king. Darius was the only Persian king marrying the women of the previous king to establish legitimacy and authority over Persia.
Sparta thrived under its' geographic isolation. Perhaps it was their physical isolation that led to their disdain upon interacting with other societies as well as their rigid social structure of order and discipline. Athens on the other hand, thoroughly depended on their trade and relationships with neighboring societies. Due to their constant sea-to-sea travel, their navy was the best in the world at the time. Athenians were not required to join the military, although they were always given the choice.
Though they did not participate in government, the women did enjoy considerable freedom, could accumulate property and exercise considerable power. The women of Sparta were given freedom, power, respect and status that were unheard of in other Greek city-states. The main function of Spartan women was to be wives and mothers of citizens. Women knew their central goal was to “continue Sparta, through childbirth”. Xenophon wrote, “Lycurgus thought that for free women the most important job was to bear children”.
The need to train and send men to war required women to remain at home managing and running the economy while the men were in battle, and producing more male children to become soldiers. This quest enabled women to flourish without the dominance of men. Aristotle, the Athenian philosopher was not supportive of the governance of Sparta, and called it a 'gynocracy' - a state ruled by women. His
Of all the great city-states (poleis) of Ancient Greece, the two most popular are Sparta and Athens. While there were advantages to be had with their respective styles of government, economics, military, and society, there were distinct disadvantages to be had as well. The Spartan form of government was that of an oligarchy; a state in which power is held by a small group. There would be five elected officials and two “kings” who inherited their positions, who made all of the decisions regarding the welfare of the state. The land-owning citizens were permitted to attend these government sessions but were not were allowed to voice their opinions.
I agree with the historian to a great extend that Marie Antoinette was ‘not a guilty woman’. Throughout her whole life, Marie Antoinette has never really been what one will perceive as ‘guilty’. She was a good hearted queen who never did anything against the laws of nature and was more foolish and dignified rather than guilty. She was been misunderstood greatly by the people in France for most of them held biased opinions against her. She was born and used as a bargaining chip in the Franco-Austrian Alliance and was of no significance as she was a female and females were seen as slaves who whose duties were to work for men.
Spartan’s military was mandatory and strict. The ancient Spartan warriors are known for their bravery, professionalism and skill, a reputation well deserved. Whenever great force was needed from them they were ready. The Spartans also thought that the arts of reading and writing were not necessary. Boys learned the Iliad and songs of war and religion, running, wrestling, and wielding a weapon.
The Spartans took up a strong need in a military force, and war became a typical lifestyle for them. Men began to train as young as seven years old as they were required to join the army. Only strong belligerent men could serve in their army. Military force became the Spartans lifestyle, as creative inventions and art were unimportant. Named after Goddess of Athena, Athens were quite dynamic people who studied philosophy, science, and art.
Roman women weren’t allowed to transact any business of importance without the agreement of her father, husband, or guardian (guardian is usually a male). Rome did not regard women as equal before men. The freedom a woman in Rome enjoyed depended on her social status and her wealth. The lives of the woman varied greatly on her position in society. Woman that came from wealth often