Classical Greece Era

The survival of women from five different cultures will be conversed Minoan, Classical Greek, Mayan, Persian, and Germanic women; moreover, how they lived from prehistoric times until 1500 (BC). I will exemplify how they contributed to the foundation of society and the obstacles accomplished to establish these foundations. Through history women's lives, roles, and social statuses have drastically improved since Prehistory eras. Since Prehistory; women not all, but many were conveniently described as children bearers, food preparers, and sexual gratification objects. Forced to stay within their politically correct barriers; and punished if they didn't. Should women be confined to these barriers and to the laws of the crucial government? Shouldn't women have equal rights! At what point, will women be socially, economically, and politically accepted? Not tolerated but created equally? Research has proven that women have been shackled by the law since Prehistory. With research, it will be exemplified how women have been socially deprived by the barriers society have put upon them since Prehistory. Since Prehistory (2 million-12-000 BP) also known as the Paleolithic Era, it was atypical for women to be socially accepted. Women were expected to collect food items, take care of the men, bear children, and take care of the children. Since Paleolithic's were not hierarchical the social statuses of women were equal to men in early human populations; however that would soon change. For the period of the Neolithic era (12,000 BP-1500 BCE) women's roles changed. While in the Paleolithic era women were completing majority of farming work. Nevertheless, during the Neolithic era farming was distributed among the family which essentially reduced the amount of work load for the Neolithic women. According to research the Minoans reigned from (2100-1000 BCE), during this time frame, women were considered goddess, and Fresco paintings prove how women were very well respected within the Minoan community. Minoans believed everyone was created equal without regard to race, sex, gender, or age. Women engaged in many of the same activities that men participated in. One extremely admired activity was found through a fresco painting from Knossos. The fresco painting from Knossos illustrated where women were tumbling over a bull; which suggests both men and women engaged in this particular game. Thus implicating how women played a very large role in society; and they were a very powerful and persuasive species. They connected easily with the world of nature. Their attire consisted of long hair and layered skirts with their breast fully exposed. Minoan women were very well respected and worshiped. The Minoans believed women were the givers of life which encouraged them to worship women goddesses as well. During Urbanization, there was a change in social classes. As a result of this change prioritization became a factor and economics became essential over authority. Social inequality resulted when administrators, kings, and priest controlled the wealth and assumed more roles; however, this did not impede the Minoan women. Minoan women were priestesses, functionaries, administrators, and not only did they participate in élite positions, but they also participated in sports. One famous sport mentioned earlier was bull riding. Bull riding portrayed Minoan women to be graceful, brave and illustrated flexibility. Minoan women were craftswomen, and entrepreneurs. Minoan women were a powerful force, and they will forever be recognized as one of the driving forces that paved the path for women in modern day society.

Throughout the Classical Greece era which is estimated to be (1200-700 BCE) women grew up in the nurse's care where they spent most of their time in what was called the "women's quarter," this was the upper level of the house. Greek women's functions were bearing children, weaving fabric, and managing the household. Now although these were Greeks women's primary duties, they were also required to carry water from local fountains daily. While gathering water this allowed Greek women to engage in social activities, and chatter with other Greek women. An additional interesting duty of a Greek woman was to ensure ancestors tombs were enclosed with fresh flowers. They presented offerings and tied ashes around the graves as along with the fresh flowers. The laws indicated how Greek women were forbidden to participate in any type of political, judicial, or military affairs. Classical Greek women were permitted to attend public speeches; however, they could only visit particular sanctuaries. Women in Classical Greece were obligated to get married by 18 years of age; yet, the typical age for marriage was about 14-15 years of age. Before engaging in marriage ceremonies; women were required to engage in physical activities in order to keep their bodies in shape. This would believably enhance their beauty and make certain they birth strong offspring. Marriage was usually pre-planned for the bride without her consent. She would be given away by her father to the selected husband. Spartan Greek women were required to participate in wrestling, in addition to techniques with throwing metal disc. Spartan Greek women were required to dance nude in public before men to increase their libido. When Greek women attended any occasion they were required to cover the top of their head, most of their neck, and face. Religion was a focal point within the Greek community. Women took part in various religious festivals; on the other hand, only certain festivals were allowed. Many festivals such as Thesmophoria, Haloa, and Skira prohibited women from attending. Greek's believed religious ceremonies for unmarried women gave them a chance to enact social values; while educating them in morals, values, and following orders. Women did not possess the rights to citizenship, they were merely known as the Greek husband's wife. Alternatively, if the wife had land or money given to her by the father and for any reason the marriage failed; then the property had to be returned to the bride's father. Greek women had various classifications before marriage and after marriage. Before marriage they were classified as a young maiden, if the marriage failed they were classified as a nymple, or bride; a female was not considered a woman until she gave birth to her first child. A Classical Greeks life expectancy was an average of 40 years of age. In spite of all the stipulations with Greek women once they married they had the privilege of owning their own land.

All the way through the early Persian Empire (ca. 1600-559 BCE) the upper class women were able to enjoy the benefits of social acceptance. Women of lower class did not have the same benefits as one of upper class. Upper Class women were able to own and sell property; in addition many women were able