Emily Chan
Early Years And Education
In ancient Greek society, baby boys were favored over girls. Female babies were at a higher risk of being abandoned at birth than male babies.
During the early years of their lives, all children attended school. Boys learned about mathematics, literature, poetry, writing, music, and athletics.
The curriculum for girls was similar, but more emphasis was placed on music, dancing, and how to be good mothers and wives.
Marriage
At the age of 13 or 14, young women would get married. The marriages were usually arranged by the father or the closest male relative, who would choose a husband and accept a dowry.
Women had to be faithful to their husbands, but that same faithfulness was not required from men. If a man found out that his wife was having an affair, he could kill the other man without facing any consequences.
There were three ways that a marriage could end. The first was if the husband no longer wants the woman as his wife.
The second was if the wife left the family home. And the third was if the father asked for his daughter back because a better offer for her hand in marriage had been made. This could only happen if the woman were still childless.
Home Life
Ancient Greek women undertook domestic duties and spent the majority of their time in the home. Upper-class women might participate in activities like weaving and wool-working.
