Ancient Greek Society/Society In Ancient Greece

The position of women was very low in ancient Greek society; they were under the control and confinement of the parental homes, until they were married. The husband chosen for them had to be at least 10 to 15 years older than the woman.

After marriage, the duty of the woman was to only bear and rear children. Male children were given the importance and only one female child was reared at the most. Other girl children were left to die or even sold as slaves or prostitutes.

The life of a girl was under the control of her father before she had gotten married. She learnt to read by joining school and she would mostly be at home.These girls would learn about simple facts of religion, mythology and sometimes they learnt to play musical instruments.

They also learnt household skills like weaving, spinning, sewing, cooking and other household jobs. Ancient Greek society would not permit them to go outdoors. So most of the time, they kept indoors and went out of the house only on religious occasions.

Girls mostly married in their teens. Marriage was usually arranged by the father of the girl at a very early age, especially if the parents were wealthy. The girls did not get to meet the husband and get to know him before marriage.

Once the woman got married, all her parental property would go directly to the husband, but if they got divorced then the control of the property would go back to the father.

The wife was not allowed to socialize with their husbands and other male friends. Even if there was a party or social gathering held in the home, it was off limits to her, even visiting the marketplace was off limits to her. She was not allowed to go out in public.

She was in charge of rearing the children and looking after the household. The jobs which women could perform in public were playing important roles in funerals, religious festivals and also at weddings, but she had to abide by whatever rule her husband set for her.

Information on: Ancient Greece Society, Society in Ancient Greek

Ancient Greek Life History / Ancient Greece Facts for Kids

We owe a lot to Ancient Greek Civilization. History of ancient Greece is a fascinating. On this site, we have given information on various ancient Greek life aspects - Arts, Boys and Girls, Architecture, Dancing, Gods, Myths, Medicine, Inventions, Houses, Government, Religions, Wars, Politics, Weapons and ancient Greece Cities.