Parthenians: Ancient Sparta's Illegitimate War Children

Parthenians: Ancient Sparta's Illegitimate War Children

The Parthenians were a group of individuals in ancient Sparta that were the illegitimate children of Spartan women. Credit: DALLE-3 for the Greek Reporter. In ancient Sparta, the Parthenians emerged as a unique group, born to Spartan women who had relations with non-Spartan men outside of marriage. Their existence reflected the intersection of social, political, and military dynamics, offering a rare glimpse into the complexities of Spartan soci…