Women in Home 1.3 - Athenian Women Flashcards
What is a Kyria?
The female of a Household
What is a Parthenos?
Unmarried Greek girl
What is a Nymphe?
Married Athenian woman that has not given birth yet
What is a Gyne?
Married Athenian woman that has given birth
What was the most important duty of a Kyria and why?
Producing a male son to have an heir to the family.
How did women overcome fertility problems?
Trying various different potions, ointments, fragrances
Turn to Gods (Asclepius God of Medicine)
Black market trade
Define the key household duties of a Kyria and explain how each contributed to self - sufficiency
Manage wealth from husband - Sustains the house wealth
Produce textiles for household - Increase HH wealth
Managing work of slaves - Increase wealth/ reputation of HH
Care for ill members of HH and Train slaves - Uphold reputation of household.
How did the design of an Athenian house emphasise the inferior status of women?
Gynaikeion - isolated women to do their work in small spaces away from others.
Explain the restrictions placed upon a Kyria?
Gynaikeion, only leave house with a male slave, money restrictions and can’t own land or property.
What were the punishments for adultery in Athens?
Women - Other lover could be killed, divorce, ban from Public Festivals
Men - No punishment
Could a woman divorce her husband?
Yes, by leaving her husband and moving back in with her father in his house.
How did you become a female slave in Athens?
Exposed as a baby, born into slavery, captured at war
What were the advantages of being a female slave in Athens?
Higher quality of life, less manual labour then men and easier for them to make closer bonds to master’s family e.g the Kyria
What were the disadvantages of being a female slave in Athens?
Her quality of life depended on the temperament of her Master. She could be treated horribly by them.
