Mothers Quote by Gorgos
““Because we are the only women who are mothers of men." Gorgo: when asked by a woman from Attica why Spartan women were the only women in the world who could rule men.””
About This Quote
Source Historical account: Herodotus, The Histories, Book 6, 5th century BC
Spartan women uniquely rule men because they are mothers of men.
In simple terms: Spartan women have power through motherhood.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the influence of maternal roles.
Themes
gender roles
power dynamics
matriarchy
Mood
historical
analytical
Type
cultural
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- family structures
- cultural studies
Key Concepts
ancient Greek society
feminist theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How does motherhood shape authority?
- Can power exist without maternal ties?
A Different Perspective
Power derived solely from motherhood may overlook other contributions.
![“It was natural for [Spartan women] to think and speak as Gorgo, the wife of Leonidas, is said to have done, when some foreign lady, as it would seem, told her that the women of Lacedaemon were the only women of the world who could rule men; 'With good reason,' she said, 'for we are the only women…” quote by Plutarch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1c6/plutarch-597_marriage_it-was-natural-for-spartan-women-to-thin_3148533.jpg)
![“And thus, the men won the Battle of the Sexes in Milesian times, so that from the Golden Age of Athens until the Golden Age of Rome, when all citizens were free to speak & vote at the State Assemblies, only women, barbarians & slaves were excluded.[INTRO]” quote by Nicholas Chong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b9a/nicholas-chong-4441_battle-of-the-sexes_and-thus-the-men-won-the-battle-of-the-s_994582.jpg)
![“...there are women who devote themselves entirely to their families, their husbands and children, and give up cultivating their femininity. Mother rebelled against that paradigm...[Mr. Gregory's Mother]” quote by Sveva Casati Modignani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/964/sveva-casati-modignani-59998_children_there-are-women-who-devote-themselves-en_561559.jpg)
