Women Of Ancient Greece Essay -- essays research papers

The Women of Greece: A Transition from Ancient Power to Classical Subservience   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  For the most part, women in today's society hold a position equal to that of a man; however, this has not always been the case. Women?s conquest for political and social freedom is a battle that has gone on for centuries. Perhaps the breaking point in women?s liberation was the Women's Movement of the 1900's, which encouraged women all over America to join in the fight for their right to vote. Because of this struggle for equality, women are now able to vote, receive a standard of fairness in the workplace, hold political positions, and play professional sports, as well as a wide array of other privileges enjoyed by men. Unfortunately, these civil rights have not been made available to women worldwide. In some cultures, especially those of the Middle East, women have gained little if any rights at all since the societies of the past. In Greece, an almost opposite effect can be seen in its history in which women in their country went from being recognized as equals and above, to becoming a much weaker sex. This odd transition of status of Greek women is evident through the art, mythology, and philosophy of a much older Greece. Thus dominant role of women portrayed in Ancient Greek mythology and artwork is in direct contrast to the more subservient role of women during the classical era in Greece.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ancient Greece, otherwise known as the Archaic period (650-450 B.C.), was a time of great development for Greece. The first major developments in Greece were cities or towns and their surrounding villages called city-states(Greece 366). Much rivalry consisted between city-state residents which resulted in a great deal of patriotism for one?s city-state. Some of the best known city-states are Athens and Sparta (Greece 366).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  During this time of growth, numerous tyrants came into control of the city-states. These tyrants caused the people to become bitterly rebellious, which later ended in revolt and the birth of the first known democratic government (Greece 372).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  City-states were once again threatened by takeover in the 500?s B.C., when Persian kings tried to overrun the city-states; however, the city-states revolted against the Persian kings. These uprisings did nothing more ... ...n of the Classical period, which is illustrated throughout the artwork. Amazon women (refer to Plate 5), who were depicted as being able to fight with men, were greatly symbolic of women?s power in ancient Greece. In a painting from the House of Dioscurides (see Plate 12), Perseus slays the dragon to free Andromeda, which reveals the woman?s dependency on a man. When comparing artwork of the Classical and Archaic period, one can see the transition that these Grecian women went through.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The struggle that some women have had to face for common rights that are enjoyed by women today is incredible. Many owe thanks, to those that have fought for civil rights so that equality can be enjoyed by everyone. Unfortunately, there are still many countries who suffer from a lack of true freedom. The transition that Greece went through in their attitude towards women is much different than any other cultures, in which women usually gain rights and respect not lose them. The woman portrayed in Archaic art, mythology and philosophy is one of power and grace, while the woman portrayed in Classical art, law and philosophy is one of subservience and weakness.