In the narratives about Ancient Greece, the dominant roles are played by men - politicians, philosophers, military commanders, and artists. However, there were also some forceful female figures, such as Gorgo the Queen of Sparta, and Diotima of Mantinea. According to Herodotus, Gorgo started to play in the international political arena at the tender age of eight when she stopped her father, King Cleomenes I, from taking the bribe from Aristagoras of Miletus. Diotima, on the other hand, was a prophetess and philosopher who played a significant role in Plato's Symposium, where her suggestions gave the origins of the idea of Platonic love. Occasionally, the role of women in Ancient Greece was less visible but still critical, as can be seen in the case of Aspasia of Miletus, the companion of the famous Athenian statesman, Pericles. In fact, Aspasia's role provides crucial insight to the understanding of the position of women in Ancient Greece. As Madeleine M. Henry stated poignantly, "To ask questions about Aspasia's life is to ask questions about half of humanity."

In the 2nd century BCE, the ancient Greek author, Aristides of Miletus is said to have founded the Milesian School of Literature and developed a genre of writing style that is still used today. He was regarded as the father of "Greek Romance" and wrote six books of erotic Milesian tales, short stories, fables, or folktales of love and adventure with a titillating essence. It is unclear if Aristides was actually an inhabitant of Miletus or if he just based his stories there because of the luxurious, laid-back and easy-going lifestyle the ancient Milesians were reputed to have enjoyed during this time.