Sparta, which existed from 800 B.C. until A.D. 200, was renowned in the ancient world as a stoic and martial city-state, and most of what we know about Sparta concerns its military history and male-dominated social structure. Yet Spartan women were in many ways among the most liberated of the ancient world, receiving formal instruction in poetry, music, dance, and physical education. And the most famous of mythic Greek women, Helen of Troy, was originally a Spartan. Written by one of the l...

Using Benjamin Franklin’s love of swimming, this illustrated publication examines his life, times, and strong, inventive personality through a lens that historians have previously overlooked. Through swimming, Franklin interacted with family, friends, and acquaintances and gained entree into British society. Incorporating primary sources, including Franklin’s own writings, artistic and archaeological sources, and the journal his grandson, Benjamin Franklin Bache, kept while under Franklin’...

Love triangles and Pythagorean women.In Pythagorean Women, classical scholar Sarah B. Pomeroy discusses the groundbreaking principles that Pythagoras established for family life in Archaic Greece, such as constituting a single standard of sexual conduct for women and men. Among the Pythagoreans, women played an important role and participated actively in the philosophical life. While Pythagoras encouraged women to be submissive to men, his reasoning was ba...

"The first general treatment of women in the ancient world to reflect the critical insights of modern feminism. Though much debated, its position as the basic textbook on women's history in Greece and Rome has hardly been challenged."--Mary Beard, Times Literary Supplement. Illustrations.

This collection of essays explores the lives and roles of women in antiquity. A recurring theme is the relationship between private and public, and many of the essays find that women’s public roles develop as a result of their private lives, specifically their family relationships.Essays on Hellenistic queens and Spartan and Roman women document how women exerted political power — usually, but not always, through their relationship to male leaders — and show how political upheaval ...

“IF your mother is willing, I will take you for a walk with me,” said Señor Vasquez, smiling indulgently at his twin son and daughter. Anitia clapped her hands in delight as she ran after Antonio in search of their mother. They found her in the despensa, the store-house of many delicious dainties, as she was busy giving out the supplies for the holiday supper that evening. She followed them into the patio, however, and gave them the desired permission. “It’s such a busy day,” she said to t...

Christmas in Spain follows the story of Mariquita, a young Spanish girl, as she experiences the joy and traditions of Christmas in Spain. The narrative provides a glimpse into Spanish holiday customs and celebrations, focusing on Mariquita's personal experiences and the festive atmosphere.The story blends cultural insights with a heartwarming tale, emphasizing themes of family, tradition, and the spirit of Christmas. Pomeroy’s depiction of Spanish Christmas traditions offers readers a rich...

The book provides a detailed account of how Christmas is celebrated in Sweden, offering readers a glimpse into Swedish customs and traditions during the holiday season. Pomeroy's narrative explores the unique aspects of Swedish Christmas celebrations, including festive customs, traditional foods, and cultural practices.The book highlights the significance of light in Swedish Christmas traditions, reflecting on how the festival is celebrated in the context of the long winter nights and the ...