Aspasia, born in Miletus (Asia Minor) in 470 and died in 400 BC, was a learned Greek courtesan who won the respect of the great men of her time.
A hetaera
Aspasia is the daughter of Axiochos, of whom little is known, and probably belongs to the family of Alcibiades . She probably belonged to a wealthy background, in which she received an excellent education.
According to most sources, Aspasia became a hetaera (a high-ranking courtesan in ancient Greece) and ran a brothel in Athens. His company is as much sought after for his mind as for his physical attractions; her culture and her intelligence attract to her a clientele of politicians, men of science and philosophers.
According to Plutarch, Socrates and his disciples go there frequently, and men bring their wives there. Aspasie teaches public speaking and politics.
Aspasia and Pericles
As a foreigner, Aspasia is not subject like other Athenians to the duty of being the guardian of the home and can participate in public debates. She meets Pericles there and the two begin a liaison around -450. In -445, Pericles divorced his wife and moved in with Aspasia, whom he could not marry. The sources testify to the influence of Aspasia on the statesman.
On the death of Pericles in -429, Aspasia takes the merchant Lysicles as protector. She herself dies around -400.