Roles Of Women In Ancient Greece

The views expressed in Egypt, Greece and Rome: Civilizations of the Ancient Mediterranean by Charles Freeman portrayed the women as deprived, controlled, or treated as property. These observations present only a small view into the lives of these women solely because recorded information is lacking regarding their roles (Freeman). However, from my perspective, the women appear to have equally suffered from emotional strain but to varying degrees. Together, Athenian women along with Roman women were dependent upon each another for their survival in each of their respective cultures. In other words, they each established some form of a support group that perhaps helped them with keeping their sanity. They collectively established women groups
From the depictions provided by Freeman, women were basically slaves upholding the household while the men were somewhat allowed to freely express their ideas, exert authority over women, and keep them confined to designated areas to include in the home for the women of Greece. However, the women played an important role within their culture. For instance, their major role was to uphold the home and bear children. They participated in household activities and had no input to any affairs concerning their marriage, family, or any matter rather the input was not entertained nor sought. Their role was crucial in sustaining existence within the family therefore marriages were prearranged cautiously as to not hinder any loss of property or other possessions. Greek women were not afforded property ownership, which was prohibited legally. Control regarding properties or children was non-existent, instead the men held the
The only exception being the certain rights permitted to Roman women which remained non-existent in Athenian culture. In conclusion, the views of gender roles throughout the ancient period presents limited information concerning these roles and how they were welcomed or rather tolerated. Perhaps, this was done purposely in order to instill fear upon women in order to prevent betrayal. Maybe they wanted to deter women from seeking out other ways of life within another culture that could provide a better quality of life. A culture that may have given them a sense of independence and the privileges they did not have. Surely, abandoning their culture for another would probably be extremely punishable, however the risk may have been worth the effort. While these women endured a great amount of suffering that I do not find amusing. Greek women had less privileges than those of the Roman world. I don’t believe I would have wanted to be a part of any of their cultures. If I had to choose between the two I would consider the Romans. First of all, I wouldn’t remain completely isolated to myself or duties, but more importantly I would have some independence and rights as opposed to