Aspasia of Miletus, a name intertwined with eloquence, intellect, and mystery, is remembered as the companion of the Athenian statesman Pericles. But Aspasia’s life story extends far beyond her association with one of Athens’ greatest leaders. In an era that restricted women’s voices, she rose as a figure of influence, engaging with and inspiring philosophers, artists, and politicians. A metic, or foreigner, in Athens, Aspasia forged her own place within the city’s vibrant intellectual and political circles, and her influence reverberated through the works of Plato, Socrates, and even later writers who either praised or scorned her bold spirit.
Early life and education in Miletus
Aspasia was born around 470 BCE in Miletus, a Greek city on the western coast of Asia Minor, known for its intellectual openness and sophistication. Unlike the women of Athens, who were often excluded from formal education, women in Miletus of high social standing could receive a full education. It’s likely that Aspasia’s early exposure to learning and ideas contributed to her eloquence and reputation for intelligence. At some point, she crossed the Aegean to Athens, where she would become one of the most talked-about figures of her time.
When and why Aspasia moved to Athens remains unclear. Speculation suggests she may have joined family members, possibly accompanying her older sister, who was married to an exiled Athenian statesman. Whatever the circumstances, her arrival in Athens marked the beginning of her public life. The young woman from Miletus soon established herself in the heart of Athens’ social scene, hosting intellectual gatherings that attracted the city’s most influential thinkers.
Aspasia and Pericles
Aspasia’s relationship with Pericles, the statesman who led Athens through its Golden Age, transformed her into a public figure. Pericles, renowned for his persuasive oratory, was immediately captivated by Aspasia’s intellect and wit. After his divorce, Pericles chose Aspasia as his companion. As a metic, Aspasia could not legally marry Pericles, nor could she gain Athenian citizenship. Yet, she became the partner of the most powerful man in Athens, a role that both enchanted and scandalized the city.
Her influence over Pericles was undeniable and fueled a mixture of fascination and resentment among Athenians. Detractors went so far as to accuse her of controlling Pericles’ decisions and even instigating wars, most notably the Peloponnesian War. One Athenian comic poet, Aristophanes, satirically accused her of starting the war over “two of her own girls,” painting her as a meddling figure who used her charm to steer Athenian politics. This image was no doubt fueled by Aspasia’s status as a hetaira, a high-class courtesan or companion known for her beauty and social skills, whose standing in society allowed her to move freely and speak openly—privileges denied to other Athenian women.
A circle of philosophers and intellectuals
Aspasia’s home became a hub for the thinkers of Athens. Philosophers, artists, and statesmen gathered there, captivated by her intellect. Among her admirers was none other than Socrates, who, according to Plato, saw Aspasia as a teacher and attributed to her some of his insights into rhetoric and dialectic. In Plato’s satirical dialogue Menexenus, he even credits Aspasia with having taught him how to compose persuasive speeches, a claim that hints at her influence but likely also reflects Plato’s playful critique of Athenian attitudes toward women.
Accounts of Aspasia’s salon suggest she was respected as much for her intellect as for her beauty. Her gatherings allowed her to discuss philosophy and politics, elevating her reputation as a woman of remarkable intellect. Her influence on the men around her, especially Pericles, led to both admiration and controversy. Plutarch, writing centuries later, praised Pericles’ accomplishments but attributed any of his perceived mistakes to Aspasia’s “undue influence.” Through Aspasia, Pericles was portrayed as vulnerable to a woman’s manipulative charms—a common trope of the time, yet one that underscores her ability to command respect, or at least attention, in a male-dominated society.
A trial and a broken heart
Aspasia’s relationship with Pericles placed her under public scrutiny. In one of the darker episodes of her life, she was accused of impiety—a grave charge in religious Athens. Her detractors, who sought to weaken Pericles’ political power, likely leveled this accusation as part of their efforts to discredit him. At her trial, Pericles defended her passionately, reputedly shedding tears in a rare display of public emotion. This act of vulnerability helped to sway the jury, and Aspasia was acquitted. Nevertheless, the trial marked a turning point. In the years that followed, Pericles’ political influence waned, and his reputation began to suffer.
When Pericles succumbed to the plague in 429 BCE, Aspasia lost both her protector and partner. Alone and grieving, she turned to another companion, Lysicles, a sheep merchant whom she had encouraged and helped elevate to a political leader. Despite their close bond, tragedy struck again when Lysicles died in battle the following year. After his death, Aspasia disappeared from public life, leaving little trace of her final years.
A legacy preserved in influence and myth
The details of Aspasia’s life faded with time, but her legacy lingered in the works of those she inspired. Although none of her writings survived, and any claim that she authored Pericles’ famed Funeral Oration is speculative at best, her impact was profound. Scholars like Madeleine Henry have argued that Aspasia’s influence on rhetoric and philosophy can be detected in the works of Socrates and others. Some even speculate that she may have been the inspiration for the character of Diotima, the wise woman who instructs Socrates on the nature of love in Plato’s Symposium. Whether or not this is true, the possibility itself testifies to her lasting intellectual presence in Athens.
Aspasia’s influence is further evident in the later portrayals by writers who either romanticized or vilified her. Plutarch, for instance, remained critical, portraying her as a disruptive influence. But later authors, such as the Roman rhetorician Quintilian, admired her eloquence and wisdom. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, she was embraced as a symbol of female intelligence and independence. Authors like Walter Savage Landor and Gertrude Atherton transformed her into a proto-feminist heroine, immortalizing her in literature as the quintessential intellectual woman who defied societal norms.
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The many faces of Aspasia
Aspasia’s life, while often interpreted through the lens of the men who knew her, reveals a woman who transcended the limitations of her era. She defied Athenian conventions, not only by participating in intellectual discussions but by hosting them. Her legacy is, in many ways, that of an ancient pioneer, challenging societal boundaries and asserting the right to think, speak, and teach freely.
Over time, Aspasia has become a figure both celebrated and contentious, embodying various ideals depending on the needs of her interpreters. In some accounts, she appears as the noble intellectual, the inspiring muse; in others, the manipulative foreign woman who dared to wield influence in Athens. Yet, as historian I.M. Plant notes, “Aspasia is one of the most famous women of classical Greece, yet little is known of her life.” What is clear is that her story reflects the anxieties and aspirations of those who have written about her, projecting onto her the fears, hopes, and ideals of their times.
Aspasia remains a powerful symbol of intellect, resilience, and independence. Her presence in Athens—a society that typically confined women to the shadows—stands as a testament to her audacity and insight. She defied convention not by challenging laws or leading armies but through the quiet strength of her mind and the boldness of her ideas, leaving a legacy that continues to spark wonder and admiration today.
