Woman In The Ancient World Flashcards
Who was pandora?
Presentation: Created by the gods, Pandora was the first woman in Greek mythology.
Significance: Her story reflects the belief in the negative attributes of women, such as curiosity and deceit, which were thought to bring suffering to humanity.
Who was Helen of Troy?
Presentation: Known as the most beautiful woman in the world, Helen’s abduction sparked the Trojan War.
Significance: Her story underscores the power of beauty and its consequences, highlighting societal perceptions of women as objects of desire.
The sabine women and tarpeia (rome)
Presentation: The Sabine Women were abducted by Roman men to populate Rome, while Tarpeia betrayed Rome to the Sabines.
Significance: These stories reflect themes of violence against women and the complexities of loyalty and betrayal in Roman society.
Lucretia (rome)
Presentation: Lucretia’s rape by Sextus Tarquinius led to the overthrow of the Roman monarchy.
Significance: Her story emphasizes the importance of female virtue and chastity in Roman culture, leading to political upheaval.
Education and Marriage in Athens
Education: Girls received education at home focusing on domestic skills and virtues.
Marriage: Arranged by parents, weddings involved ceremonies like the procession to the groom’s house and the bridal veil.
Education and Marriage in Sparta
Education: Spartan girls received rigorous physical training and education to produce strong offspring.
Marriage: Spartan women had more freedom in choosing their spouses, aiming to produce healthy children for the state.
Education and marriage in rome
Education: Roman girls were primarily educated at home, though some evidence suggests access to formal schooling.
Marriage: Roman marriages could be contracted through various forms like coemptio, confarreatio, and by usus, each carrying different legal implications.
Roles of Women in the Home (Greece)
Kyria: Idealized wife and mother in Athens, responsible for managing the household.
Domestic Slaves: Played crucial roles in household management and childcare.
Roles of women in the Home (Rome)
Matrona: Model of Roman womanhood, responsible for domestic affairs and raising children.
Domestic Slaves: Assisted with household tasks, allowing free women to focus on their familial duties.
‘Improper’ Women in Greece
Pornai and Hetairai: Prostitutes and courtesans, respectively, who occupied a distinct social role.
Neaira and Aspasia: Notable Hetairai who gained prominence in Greek society.
‘Improper’ Women in Rome
Meretrix and Lena: Terms for prostitutes and brothel managers in Roman society.
Clodia and Cytheris/Lycoris: Examples of women involved in illicit relationships and known for their influence.
Roles of Women in Religion (greece)
Priestesses: Held roles in religious ceremonies, such as the Pythia at Delphi.
Ritual Mourning: Women played essential roles in mourning and preparing the deceased for burial.
Roles of Women in Religion (rome)
Vestal Virgins: Priestesses dedicated to the goddess Vesta, tasked with maintaining the sacred fire.
Bona Dea Worship: Women-only religious rites dedicated to the goddess of fertility and healing.
Women and Power in Greece
Athenian Assembly: Excluded women from political participation.
Agnodice’s Trial: Mythical trial of a woman accused of practicing medicine disguised as a man, reflecting gender roles in Athenian society.
Women and Power in Rome
Roman Senate: Excluded women from political office and decision-making.
Oppian Law Repeal: Women’s involvement in repealing laws restricting luxury goods, reflecting their influence in public affairs.
