Women In Ancient Greece

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manners and duties of a desirable wife. “Marriage was the inevitable goal to which her whole life tended. To remain a spinster was the worst disgrace which could befall a woman” (Everyday Life in Ancient Greece, pg. 82). However, it was seen as more of a disgrace on her father who ‘owned’ her until she was married. Although Athenian women were completely in charge of their household and slaves, they didn’t have much freedom. They rarely left the house, unless they were part of some sort of religious procession. They could only walk abroad in the streets if accompanied by a slave or other attendant. It was improper for respectable women to share the same social entertainments as men. Even if caught in the courtyard of the house by a male visitor, they would return to the seclusion of their own apartments. Pericles once said, “it was their business to be spoken of as little as possible whether for good or ill” (Everyday Life in Ancient Greece, pg. 82). This sentiment describes the ...

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