Women in ancient Athenian society were defined as "near slaves, or as perpetual minors" (The Greek World, p. 200). A woman's life did not extend far from the home; it was thought to be their sole realm of existence. Although respected by society as higher than slaves, they were treated in many of the same ways. Like slaves, mothers trained their adolescent daughters as to what their domestic duties were. Most girls were taught to read at home, while the wealthier girls were educated in schools. They were taught important household skills such as: spinning, weaving, sewing, cooking, and other common household jobs. They were educated on basic mythology, religion, and occasionally musical instruments. Most of their time was spent in the household with othe

The feeling of love was abundant in Geek society. Although love was never a determining factor in marriages, a life long bond and sense of devotion usually developed between a couple as the years passed. "We know that the Greeks of the fifth and fourth century used the word eros (love) to describe the passion linking a husband and his wife" (Daily Life in Greece, pg. 58.). There are many instances in myth and history where husbands and wives have sacrificed themselves for the sake of the other. They were bonded together by their love of their family and by their dedication to each other through their family. Women were dedicated to the happiness of their husbands and the well being of their children. Men were dedicated to providing for and supporting their family and raising noteworthy children. These common goals brought the husband and wife together like never before. It was this bond that sparked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to one another and the growth of their love for one another.

Childbirth always took place inside the house. Before the birth of the child, the house would be smeared with a black substance called pitch for protection against evil spirits. In most instances women of the house would deliver the baby, while some could afford to have a midwife deliver the child. Because contraceptives were limited and ineffective, women had numerous pregnancies. Not all the babies would survive child birth, and in some cases both the mother and child would perish. The life expectancy for women was a mere thirty five to forty years. This was the direct result of too many pregnancies.

After the wedding, the wife's duties were centered on the management of the home. She would look over the slaves mend and make clothing for the family, usually by spinning or knitting. She would weave rugs and make baskets for the home, then fold and refold the clothing kept in the family's linen closet. The wife was also responsible for maintaining her attractiveness to her husband. A proper Athenian wife would adorn herself with jewelry and rouge upon her husband's arrival home. It was not unusual for a woman to sit next to the couch while her husband was lying down on it.

It was improper for women to share the same social entertainments as men. They were not allowed to watch the Olympic Games because the participants did not wear any clothes. Chariot racing was the only game women could win, and only then if they owned the horse.

Some common words found in the essay are:
Marriages Athenian, Moreover Athenian, Ancient Greece, Life Greece, Greek World, , Olympic Games, Greece Pg, ancient greece, greece pg, everyday life, life ancient, everyday life ancient, Anton Powell, Sally Humphreys, life ancient greece, ancient greece pg, athenian society, athenian women, daily life, life greece, daily life greece, athenian married, woman divorce, life greece pg,
Approximate Word count = 2122
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)