Gyrtias

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Gyrtias ( ancient Greek Γυρτιάς = the cared for ) was a Spartan woman and the grandmother of Akrotatos , the son of Cleomenes II. It is not known whether she was the mother of Cleomenes II and thus the wife of Cleombrotus I or the mother-in-law of Cleomenes .

Plutarch narrates two sayings of the Gyrtias, which should reflect the attitude of the Spartans at the time:

  • When Akrotatos came home full of blood after a brawl and complained loudly, Gyrtias said that someone who was no good shouldn't yell around but find a solution to the problem.
  • When she was told that Akrotatos had died in the war, she said it was more desirable and honorable for her to die for the land and offspring than to die a coward in old age.

Individual evidence

  1. Jump up ↑ Plutarch, Spartan Sentences ( Greek text , English translation ).