Athenian women had almost no influence or power in Greek society and were not highly regarded until they could produce a male child (Socrates). The common belief at that time (in most Western societies) was that women were necessary to produce children. Women existed for the sake of procreation, to bear sons in order to continue the family name (Aristotle states that the man supplies the substance, the soul, i.e. the form for children, the woman provides only the nourishment), (Source: Ge

Women in this society could, to some degree, assert power and influence in the home. The everyday life of the “ideal” Greek woman included child bearing and rearing, cleaning, both weaving cloth and making clothes, cooking and supervising slaves and other domestic tasks, (Xenophon, On Household Management). Those in wealthier families had slaves, but she was also responsible for the training and supervision of the slaves. Women were not allowed to own property or inherit wealth (Hunt, pg. 98); this was controlled by fathers, husbands, or a close male relative. Men tended to behave more like fathers toward women. Thus, if a woman got married she passed from the authority of one man (her father) into that of another (her husband), (Plato 427-347 BC). Greek women were sheltered from the eyes of other men. They had limited access to society and the activities that took place there. These women had no political voice, although they were allowed to participate in weddings, funerals and religious festivals, (Hunt, pg. 69).

Written and archaeological evidence suggests that women played a significant role in the religious life of Ancient Greece. Although the women of ancient Greece were not considered politically important, they played a ve

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