SIX ANCIENT GREEK FEMALE PHILOSOPHERS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT

1. ASPASIA OF MILITUS

Aspasia of Militus, most active around 400 BC was the most famous philosopher in Classical Athens or we should say notorious because, although a foreigner, she became the mistress of Pericles, the leader of Athens during the Peloponnesian War.  She was not only remembered for her captivating beauty but also for her captivating mind.

2. CLEA

Clea most active around 100 BC was a priestess at Delphi, and one of the most esteemed philosophers in the ancient world. She found many opportunities for in-depth philosophizing with Plutarch the most famous intellectual of his time. 

3. THEKLA

When she first appeared on the scene, on the Acts of Paul and Thekla, she lead a normal middle-class life, staying at home and about to make an advantageous marriage. But leaning out of her balcony she hears the preaching of Paul and decides to follow a different path.  She follows Paul, resists a variety of amorous advances, and survives being thrown to carnivorous seals in the arena and finally, she is confirmed as a teacher in her own right. 

4. SOSIPATRA

Sosipatra most active in the 4th century AD lived in a dream. She had a successful career as well as a happy family life. After an education in mysticism, she became a respected teacher in Neoplatonism interpreting difficult texts and meditating on Devine knowledge. 

5. MACRINA THE YOUNGER 

Macrina circa 330 to was the oldest of ten in an influential, well-educated Christan family of Cappadocia. She kept the family together through her sharp mind, devout soul, and strong will after transforming her ancestral estate into a successful community for ascetics.  

6. HYPATIA OF ALEXANDRIA  

Most famous for her dramatic death at the hands of a  Christian mob the female philosopher was a Neoplatonic teacher admired for her mathematical and astronomical works. One of her successful students the Christan Bishop Synesius wrote a letter to her about philosophy.