Greek Women In Power Essay

Throughout time and most cultures, men are the gender who have always held more power within societies, whether that be politically or otherwise, but one culture in particular has been able to grant women substantial power within her community; Ancient Greece. At first there had been “the long-standing thesis that women had no presence in the public world of the polis,” but as stated, this theory is entirely wrong. Religion was a very important part of life for the Greek’s and one that allowed women to wield much power. “Religious office presented the one arena in which Greek women assumed roles equal and comparable to those of men.” Because of the power that these women were able to obtain, they enjoyed greater freedom and influence over their …show more content…
For instance, whatever these women needed for their festivals or rituals was unquestionably provided as seen in a letter from Demophon to Ptolemaios; “Also, send us the eunuch with a drum, cymbals, and castanets. The women need them for their festival. Be sure he is wearing his most elegant clothing.” The letter goes on with Demophon asking for different foods and even for Ptolemaios to “throw in some policemen at the same time to accompany the boat.” These different goods were of such importance to the women that he would pay the price just to make sure that it arrives on time and in one piece. In fact, each different priestess, when she was in her time of power within her cult, was acclaimed throughout all of Greece. “The names of priestesses were thus among the most widely shared elements of common knowledge across the Greek world.” In addition to each priestess being well known, they each had a statue created in their likeness and “the names of priestesses were inscribed on their statue bases and dedications as well as on the statue bases.” As Connelly goes on to explain, this sacred practice ensured that these priestly women would never be forgotten and thus shown the great respect they