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Cards (23)

  • What remedies could women use to combat infertility?
    Potions, concoctions, fragrances
  • Who did women turn to for help when remedies failed?
    The god of Medicine, Asclepius
  • What did women do at Asclepius' shrine at Epidaurus?
    Spent the night seeking divine intervention
  • What does the existence of inscriptions and votive offerings to Asclepius suggest?
    Women sought divine help for infertility
  • What black market activity is suggested for women when remedies failed?
    Trading in male babies
  • How does Aristophanes depict Athenian women in his plays?
    As tricksters regarding childbirth
  • What does the story of the Athenian woman pretending to be in labor illustrate?
    Women faced pressure to bear male children
  • What were the household duties of an Athenian woman after marriage?
    • Manage the household
    • Ensure smooth running of domestic life
    • Oversee slaves and resources
  • What is the *Oeconomicus*?
    A work by Xenophon about household management
  • What does Ischomachus discuss with Socrates in the *Oeconomicus*?
    Marriage and household responsibilities
  • What is the kyria's primary responsibility in the household?
    To manage goods and resources
  • What is meant by self-sufficiency in the context of Athenian households?
    Supporting oneself without outside assistance
  • How could a kyria increase her household's wealth?
    By producing textiles and managing resources
  • What is the *gynaikon* in an Athenian house?
    The women's quarters or bedroom
  • What was the purpose of the *andron* in an Athenian house?
    For men to relax and hold drinking parties
  • Why were women not allowed in the *andron*?
    It was reserved for male guests and activities
  • What was required for a kyria to leave her house?
    A male escort
  • How did upper Athenian women differ from lower-class women?
    They had more freedom and autonomy
  • What could poorer kyriae do to support their families?
    Work as market traders
  • What does the anecdote about Alcibiades reveal about gender roles in Athens?
    Men had more sexual freedom than women
  • What was the legal way for an Athenian woman to divorce her husband?
    Leave his household for her father's house
  • What challenges did women face in seeking divorce in Athens?
    It was difficult and often resisted
  • What are the key aspects of Athenian women's roles in society?
    • Manage household and resources
    • Limited public life and freedom
    • Expected to bear legitimate heirs
    • Subject to male authority