Gorgo queen of sparta biography sample

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It also shows her ability to intervene in public matters. 49-51
Herodotus: vii 239

H5.48-51
H7.239
Themopylae the battle that changed the world
The Spartans and epic history
Plutarch on Sparta

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Gorgo herself was renowned in Spartan legend, and it is curious that she bore the name that was so closely identified with the legendary Perseus and his daughter, who, if they really lived, pre-dated Gorgo by over seven centuries.

As a high-born Spartan woman, Gorgo had the agency to speak her mind where women elsewhere in the Greek world could not, leaving historians to document several of her anecdotes. Aristagoras sought an alliance with Sparta. Leonidas, as his eldest surviving half-brother, succeeded him on the throne of the Agiads.

Marriages between close blood relatives, particularly between uncles and nieces, were common in many Greek cities at the time to preserve property within the family’s male lineage.

We do not know how Gorgo herself felt about this marriage, especially given the circumstances surrounding her father’s fate.

Aristagoras, desperate, attempted to bribe Cleomenes.

At this critical moment, young Gorgo intervened, exclaiming the now-famous words: “Father, the stranger will corrupt you if you don’t drive him away!” Her quick wit and firm stance reinforced her father’s decision and foreshadowed her future role as a strong and influential figure in Spartan political life.

Following these events, Cleomenes faced accusations from Spartan officials and they put him in prison.

He proposed that Cleomenes send Spartan forces deep into Persian territory, aiming to advance as far as the Persian capital, Susa.

Cleomenes asked for time to consider the proposal and inquired about the distance from the Ionian coast to Susa three days later.

Gorgo, the Wise Queen of Sparta

Queen Gorgo of Sparta was the daughter of King Cleomenes I and the wife of the legendary hero of Thermopylae, King Leonidas I.

Even at the young age of 8 or 9, she demonstrated remarkable intelligence and foresight.

Gorgo’s early life and influence

During her young age, the future queen of Sparta Gorgo observed the negotiation between her father and Aristagoras of Miletus. Spartan women were renowned for their independence, education, and ability to influence public life, and Gorgo stood as a prime example of these qualities.

One quote attributed to Gorgo highlights her wit.

A. E. Stallings. Gorgo rejected it, saying, “Get out of here! It reflected the courage with which ancient Greek women faced the prospect of losing their male relatives. She also exemplifies a capable woman who was deeply involved in the civic and military ethos of the state. Gorgo had inherited Cleomenes’ entire estate.

She addressed it to Leonidas before he left for the battle of Thermopylae.

This statement emphasized the national duty expected of her husband. While some sources claim he committed suicide, the exact circumstances of his death remain unclear.

Gorgo as the wife of king Leonidas

Leonidas, Cleomenes’ half-brother and Gorgo’s uncle, married Gorgo around 490 BC.

She likely married him shortly after her father’s death and when she had reached marriageable age.

gorgo queen of sparta biography sample

Such privilege typically was reserved for men in most other Greek cities.

Gorgo exemplifies the Spartan ideal of a strong woman. 5th century BCE
Occupation: Queen of Sparta
Relationships:

  • Mother: Unkown
  • Father: Cleomenes I
  • Sibling(s): Unknown
  • Spouse/Lover(s): Leonidas I
  • Children: Pleistarchus

Biography:

Born in 508 BCE the daughter of Cleomenes I, king of Sparta, and later wife to Leonidas I, king of Sparta and leader of the 300 Spartans at the battle of Thermopylae during the Persian Wars, Gorgo is most remembered for her quick wit and wisdom (Cawkwell 1993, 523).

For Spartan women, the age for marriage was at the end of puberty. Leonidas’ reasons for marrying her were somewhat pragmatic.