Aspasia was a Greek intellectual and writer best known as the consort of the Athenian statesman Pericles.

What is Aspasia famous for?

In ancient Athens, Aspasia was famous for her association with Pericles and living as she pleased in a society where women's rights were curtailed. In the modern era, she is best known as the heroine in romantic historical fiction novels.

Was Aspasia an Athenian?

No. Aspasia was a metic, meaning a non-citizen of Athens. She is thought to have been born and raised in Miletus.

Aspasia's cause of death, and even her death date, are unknown.

Aspasia of Miletus

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Definition

Aspasia of Miletus (l. c. 470-410/400 BCE) is best known as the consort of the great Athenian statesman Pericles. Her life story has always been given in the shadow of Pericles' fame, but she was a woman of great eloquence and intelligence in her own right who influenced many of the writers, thinkers, and statesmen of her time.

More about: Aspasia of Miletus

Timeline

c. 470 BCE - c. 400 BCE
Life of Aspasia of Miletus.
c. 450 BCE
Aspasia meets the statesman Pericles of Athens.
c. 445 BCE
Aspasia is the near-constant companion of Pericles.
c. 428 BCE
Aspasia is involved with statesman Lysicles following Pericles' death; after Lysicles' death, Aspasia vanishes from history.