Whether she possesses mythological powers or was born into a life of privilege, the ancient world is filled with women who have been influential in shaping the lives of those around them at the time, as well as in the future. In this article, you will encounter four daughters of known characters in mythology and ancient history, such as Circe , a goddess and sorceress who had a rather enchanting way with men.
Circe
Residing in a mansion located in a forest on the island of Aeaea, you will find Helios , the father of Circe , the goddess and sorceress that had a particularly interesting way of handling an unruly man. With the help of drugs, she was able to turn men into beasts. In the Odyssey, Circe is responsible for transforming some of Odysseus’ men into animals, but turns them back to their former self. In Hesiod’s Theogony, Circe becomes the mother to Odysseus’ sons , one of which is called Telegonus.
Fausta
Fausta (also known as Flavia Maxima Fausta) has a handful of interesting people in her family tree. Her father was the Roman emperor by the name of Maximianus Herculius. She was sister to Maxentius. When she married, she became the wife of Constantine I. Togather, they had three sons and two daughters (Constantine, Constantius, Constans , sons; Constantina and Helena , daughters). As a result of being such as good wife, Fausta was given the title of Augusta. All of this took place during the same time that he honored his mother in 324 AD. Unfornately, things didn’t end up so well, as it is believed that Constantine actually had his wife murdered in 326. It is said that she lost her life as a result of scalding hot water or suffocation. At any rate, she met her death in a bath or bathing area.
Gorgo of Sparta
Being the only daughter of King Cleomenes I of Sparta (520-490) had some perks. For Gorgo, it meant that she was his heir. However, she would not assume the same position as her father. When Cleomones died, his half-brother Leonidas went on to become his successor. He was actually Gorgo’s husband, who she had married during the late 490s when she was still in her teenage years. In later years, Gorgo would give birth to a son that became an Agiad king. His name was Pleistarchus.
While being the heir to her father’s throne offered a special noteworthiness to her existence, she did not fall back on her bloodline. According to Herodotus, she was quite an intelligent woman. For instance, she is known for alerting her father to the ways of a foreign diplomat named Aristagoras of Miletus, who attempted to sway her father to join in on an Ionian revolt against the Persians. Following persuasive words, her father was offered a bribe, which he refused under the guidance of his daughter (Gorgo), who told him that he should send Aristagoras away to avoid being corrupted.