Women in Ancient Greece

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Ancient Greek women, excluded from the elite citizenship reserved only for men, were viewed only as wives of citizens, or as daughters who would become wives of citizens (Cartledge, 1998). Marriage and motherhood were regarded as a woman’s primary goals in life, with the sole purpose of marriage being for procreation (Pomeroy, 1975) The death of an unmarried girl elicited expressions of sorrow, as the girl failed to fulfil her goal of marriage, and is even portrayed as a bride on her memorial vases.

Prior to marriage, the woman was provided with a dowry to be used only for her support. It was passed from the father to the husband, but neither the woman nor her guardian, husband, or father could legally dispose of it (Pomeroy, 1975). Marriage arrangements were made entirely by men, and it was the woman’s obligation to marry whom was chosen for them- possibly someone they had never seen before, or even a family relative (Cartledge, 1998). It was seen to be ideal for a girl to marry at the age of fourteen to a man of about thirty, with the necessity that the br

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These women did not bear children until eighteen, could bear children to more than one man, and moved freely around in public. He considered it undesirable for a very young woman to give birth, as the babies were more likely to be female; and suggested that pregnant women take a daily walk to worship the Gods looking over her unborn child (Pomeroy, 1975).

Much of Plato’s notions in Republic were inspired by the Spartan view of women. It was the man in adulterous situations who was deemed guilty, where the woman had played a passive role. It was a necessity in a marriage to have at least one son.

Hera was the queen of the gods and was wife and sister to Zeus. When she died he lamented her" (Pomeroy, 1975). A pregnant woman has a good complexion if the child is male; a poor complexion if the child is female. She never forgot an injury and was known for her vindictive nature. As punishment, storms sent by the god of the sea, Poseidon, at Athena's request destroyed most of the Greek ships returning to Troy. The hetairai had intellectual training and maintained artistic talents, as well as certain physical beauty.

Marriages were monogamous and adultery was considered a public offense, possibly resulting in the birth of a child unrelated to the husband.

In contrast to Republic, Laws combined both the idealism of Republic and the reality of Athenian life.

Approximate Word count = 1600
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)

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