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Theodote or Theodota (Greek: Θεοδότη, "divine gift") is the feminine form of Theodotus and may refer to: Theodote (courtesan), 5th-century BC courtesan in ancient Greece, mentioned in Memorabilia of Xenophon; Theodota of Philippi (died 318), Greek harlot and Christian martyr; Theodota of Nicaea (4th century), Christian woman martyred ...
In his Memoirs of Socrates at 3.11 Xenophon reports a dialogue of Socrates with Theodote, a high-ranking prostitute, which looks to be unique in the ancient Greek canon in representing a philosophical exchange of ideas between a man and woman. But what are we to make of the dialogue between them?
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What did Xenophon say about Theodote?
What does Theodote mean?
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Why did Socrates ask the men to admire Theodote?
Nov 24, 2018 · Socrates is describing the arts of love employed by a sophisticated courtesan. Theodote, however, denies using any such methods, perhaps feeling it makes her appear somewhat manipulative. Socrates therefore responds: Then again it’s much better to keep one’s human relationships natural and right.
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Xenophon was a Greek philosopher, soldier, historian, memoirist, and the author of numerous practical treatises on subjects ranging from horsemanship to taxation. While best known in the contemporary philosophical world as the author of a series of sketches of Socrates in conversation, known by their Latin title Memorabilia, Xenophon also wrote a S...
Xenophon was born during the early years of the Peloponnesian War, in the outlying deme of Athens called Erchia. Located in the fertile plain known as Mesogeia (literally middle earth) and overlooked by the beautiful mountains Hymettus and Penteli, Erchia was about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the bustling center of Athensabout a three hour walk o...
Little else is known about Xenophons earliest years. From his later writings it can be safely inferred that he received a good basic education and military training as befitted a young member of the Equestrian class, that he was able to ride and hunt extensively, and that in his formative years he observed the careful work needed to keep a modest f...
In 401. B.C.E at the age of 29, Xenophon was invited by his friend Proxenus to join him on a mercenary military venture to Persia, ostensibly to protect the territory of a minor satrap who was under threat. In fact, though this was not known to Xenophon or Proxenus, the campaign was rather more ambitious than that: it was a game of thrones, nothing...
Upon his return to Greece, Xenophon continued his mercenary work under a Spartan general named Agesilaus. He even went fighting, with Agesilaus 10,000 soldiers who returned from the battle of Coroneia in Persia, against a combined Athenian and Theban force. Athens issued a decree of exile against Xenophon as a result. . Even though it is possible t...
In gratitude for his service in this decisive Lacedaimonian victory, the Spartans gave Xenophon an estate in Elis, about 2 miles from Olympia a region of the Peloponnese which was known for its unparalleled beauty and richness. Here in Elis over the next 23 years, Xenophon would live a life of semi-retirement and quiet rural pursuits. Here also he...
When his adoptive city of Sparta was defeated in the Battle of Leuctra in 371 B.C., Elians drove Xenophon from his rural retreat and confiscated it. Xenophon then moved to flowery Corinth where he ended his days.
My father's moral convictions, wholly dissevered from religion, were very much of the character of those of the Greek philosophers; and were delivered with the force and decision which characterized all that came from him. Even at the very early age at which I read with him the Memorabilia of Xenophon, I imbibed from that work and from his comments...
Memorabilia I: The book begins with a defense of Socrates against the legal charges which led to his execution, in a long initial section narrated by the author in his own voice. Socrates enjoined piety and respect for divination, which should be consulted before every momentous life-choice. He avoided speculation about the nature of the cosmos; (h...
Memorabilia IV: The importance of self-control to success in every field of endeavor is again underscored and argued for; talented youths and high-bred horses alike need careful training and structure in order to avoid running off the rails with maturity. The moral quality of sophrosyne, moderation, prudence, and good habits combined, is said to be...
Xenophons Apology begins with Socrates explaining to his friend Hermogenes why he has not been working on his defense speech: he has been hindered by his divine sign, and moreover is quite ready to die. Socrates justifies his readiness by noting the evils of old age that he will avoid, and the blamelessness of his life. When at trial, he defends hi...
That Xenophon admires the Spartan system and the individuals it produces is evident from both the portrait of Agesilaus and the description of the Spartan political system developed by the legendary Lycurgus (Constitution of the Lacedaimonians). Agesilaus is a ferocious military tactician and fighter who waged campaigns in Persia and on Greek soil....
Now that the fighting was at an end, a weird spectacle met the eye, as one surveyed the scene of the conflict the earth stained with blood, friend and foe lying dead side by side, shields smashed to pieces, spears snapped in two, daggers bared of their sheaths, some on the ground, some embedded in the bodies, some yet gripped by the hand.
The political philosophies which can be discerned in Xenophons largest and perhaps strangest work, The Education of Cyrus, are a matter of great controversy. Some paradoxical aspects of the work fuel the arguments about how it should be interpreted. Cyrus is undoubtedly a terrific leader and a daunting empire-builder, but he is seen to have some of...
The woman conceives and bears her burden in travail, risking her life, and giving of her own food; and, with much labor, having endured to the end and brought forth her child, she rears and cares for it, although she has not received any good thing, and the babe neither recognizes its benefactress nor can make its wants known to her; still she gues...
Xenophons collected works include several shorter dialogues and essays in which he (like his Socrates) provides useful and practically applicable advice on topics like choosing and training a war-horse (On Horsemanship), being a cavalry commander (The Cavalry Commander), hunting (On Hunting), taxation (Ways and Means), and home economics (Oeconomic...
So for example, in the treatise on horsemanship, Xenophon presents a definite equine psychology and a training ethic; the training should not be harsh, because nothing forced can ever be beautiful. The horse
Xenophon stresses commonalities between horses and humans. Old saws apply equally to horses and to humans, as in the following text concerning the length of galloping sets: In excess of the proper limit, nothing whatsoever is enjoyable, either to a horse or a man (X.14). It is noticeable that Xenophon does not simply say that running a horse ragged...
So also, in the Oeconomicus, there is not simply practical instruction about running a successful small farm, but a general theme of praise for engagement, orderliness, and system that has sometimes a definite political ring, as in the following passage (Oeconomicus V.i):
For the pursuit of (farming) is in some sense a luxury as well as a means of increasing ones estate and of training the body in all that a free man should be able to do.
Dec 16, 2014 · Socrates’ conversation with the hetaira (or courtesan) Theodote—presented in Xenophon's Memorabilia, book III, chapter 11—stands out as unique. It is the only conversation in all of Xenophon in whi...
- Michael Anton
- 2015
portrait of the courtesan Theodote, interviewed by a wry Socrates in the Mem orabilia (3.11). Theodote, expensively appareled and attended by an entourage of her mother and well-groomed maids, explains that she supports herself by the kindness of "friends" (cp9Xol) who are willing to give her gifts in return for "gratifi cation" (XaploeaOaL, 3. ...
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, with its headquarters located in the City of New York, is an Eparchy of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, The mission of the Archdiocese is to proclaim the Gospel of Christ, to teach and spread the Orthodox Christian faith, to energize, cultivate, and guide the life of the Church in the United States of America according to the Orthodox ...
