Ancient History

» Robert Dailey - The Women of Sparta

Great article, Robin. I saw a special on History channel about the Celts and the role women played in that civilization. Evidently, women could be warriors, rulers, generals, etc.
How about an article on the role of women among the Celtic tribes?

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» Rosemary Drisdelle - Spartan lifestyle

Hi Robin,

When I was reading your article on Spartan women, I suddenly wondered about the origin of the word "spartan" in English. To me it means lacking in frills of any kind. I looked it up in the dictionary and sure enough, it's associated with frugality, but also courage, self-discipline, endurance, sternness. Interesting. It strikes me as ironic that, at least in terms of freedoms and community participation, the lives of other Greek women were considerably more "spartan!"

Rosemary Drisdelle
Birds.Suite101.com

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» Robin Fowler - The Women of Sparta

In response to The Women of Sparta posted by bobcajun:

That is certainly something that I would interested in researching. I have to confess that I am not very familiar with the Celts, or their women.

Thanks for the suggestion!

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» Robin Fowler - Spartan lifestyle

In response to Spartan lifestyle posted by rdrisdelle:

Ironic indeed! But I think that the freedoms that the Spartan women were allowed, and that were so reviled by the more "proper" Greek city-states, were a means to an end. There was definitely a reason behind their ability to exercise and fraternize. These supposed freedoms were a way for the Spartan women to perfect their skills at procreation, in effect to produce stronger and more disciplined Spartan soldiers. These "freedoms", I think, were simply an extension of Spartan diligence, discipline, and endurance.

Thanks for you comment Rosemary!

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» Brian Tubbs - Great article

Loved the article. Well-written and researched.

I assume you're looking forward to the new film 300.

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» Robin Fowler - Great article

In response to Great article posted by BrianTubbs:

Brian, thanks for your kind comments! I had actually not heard of the movie until I read your comment, but I checked out the info on it, and I will look forward to seeing it. Let's hope it is more in the spirit of Gladiator or Troy than Alexander!

Robin

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» Brian Tubbs - Agreed

In response to Great article posted by mamarobin73:

Alexander was atrocious. Troy was enjoyable, but not exactly historically accurate. Not even close, as far as I could tell.

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» Robin Fowler - Agreed

In response to Agreed posted by BrianTubbs:

There were some aspects of Troy that were embellished, such as Achilles' death, but it generally remained true in spirit to the story. Gladiator wasn't exactly historically accurate, either. But both were highly enjoyable to watch! Alexander, I'm not sure what that was all about!

Thanks for your comments!!

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