Lastheneia of Mantinea facts for kids
Lastheneia (also called Lasthenia) was an important student of the famous ancient Greek philosopher Plato. She was one of the few women known to have studied at his school, the Platonic Academy.
Lastheneia was born in Mantinea, an old city in a region called Arcadia in Greece. This area was part of the Peloponnese, a large peninsula. She was very dedicated to her studies. To be able to learn at Plato's Academy, she sometimes dressed in men's clothes. This helped her fit in at a time when it was unusual for women to study philosophy in public schools.
After Plato passed away, Lastheneia continued her learning. She studied with Speusippus, who was Plato's nephew and took over as the head of the Academy.
A Dedicated Student
Lastheneia was deeply committed to understanding philosophy. She spent many years learning from the best thinkers of her time. Her choice to study at the Academy showed her strong desire for knowledge. It was a brave decision for a woman in ancient Greece.
She is remembered as one of the few female students who attended Plato's school. This makes her an important figure in the history of women in education.
Who Else Studied with Her?
An old piece of papyrus found in Oxyrhynchus mentions a woman who studied with Plato. This same woman also learned from Speusippus and later from Menedemus of Eretria. The papyrus describes her as "lovely and full of unstudied grace" when she was a teenager. Many historians believe this woman was either Lastheneia or another female student named Axiothea of Phlius. Both women were known for their intelligence and dedication to philosophy.
See also
In Spanish: Lastenia de Mantinea para niños
