In 2007, another one of Frank Miller’s graphic novels was translated into a box-office hit. 300 is an artistic interpretation of historical Greek events which easily became a cult-hit. Amidst the stories wide-ranging characters is the resplendent Queen Gorgo, portrayed by Lena Headey.
Historically, Gorgo was the only daughter of King Cleomenes I of Sparta (520-490). She was also his heir. When Cleomenes died, his successor was his half-brother Leonidas, to whom Gorgo had been married in the late 490s. She was in her late teens at the time of marriage. Gorgo was the mother of another Agiad king, Pleistarchus. Brought upon by the movie, Helen of Troy is forced to share her seat as the most popular Spartan woman.
The Spartan woman had a reputation for bravado and licentiousness that was frowned upon the the other Greeks. Nudity was not acceptable to the Homeric Greeks except in athletic games which were part of a religious ritual. The Spartan girl competed in athletics at the same time as the boys and may have done so in the nude before a mixed audience. Her tunic was worn in such a way as to give her a little more freedom of movement and the opportunity to reveal a little leg and thigh if she so desired. This inclination was very well displayed by Queen Gorgo when she sported a everyday basic Greek Chiton:
Inspired by the lasciviousness of the Spartan Woman, today's fashion showcases the traditional Greek Chiton tranformed in sexy, head-turning customs by designers like
Moschino
& Ossie Clark.
So I guess she did do it then! For she, the Scandalous Spartan Woman was a fashion innovator of her time.
by SHEENA GLORIA
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