Women In The Ancient World

As a woman, having to live up to certain social norms becomes challenging. People expect you to be a real life super hero; assuming roles as a mother, wife, sister, etc. These socials norms, or even gender roles have implied certain standards women must live up to. Society has also implied women should fear men because they are the superior, but fortunately enough there were women during this time that defied those odds. Some women were bold enough to stand up for themselves and the rights of all women, because they felt they had to do what was right for themselves and others. Through a variety of texts, we have explored the Mesopotamia, Israel, Greece, and Rome civilizations which have enlightened us on how the role of women in our society has shifted, in the texts, Epic of Gilgamesh, Antigone, and Passion of the Saints Perpetua and Felicity, the shift of gender roles is portrayed as women begin to assume dominant roles to gain equal rights and respect.

Throughout time women have been taught to fear men because they were seen as the superior, but in the text Epic of Gilgamesh, the Priestess Shamhat and the goddess Ishtar do not fear men, but men almost fear them in a sense. The Priestess Shamhat is known for her wisdom and drive to teach others, as she does with Enkidu. She is sent to tame Enkidu and she tries to accomplish this goal by taking him out into the wild where she “stripped off her robe and lay there naked … For seven days [Enkidu] stayed erect and made love with her” Epic of Gilgamesh, 2: 135-140). The relations between Shmahat and Enkidu guide him into a new life of manhood and signifies him leaving behind his uncivilized, nature-like ways he was used to living by. This also shows the important role a woman, Shamhat, had to assume in order to take care of and improve a man. Normally, men are seen as improving women because they are always the providers, but not in this case. Enkidu even acknowledged “that his mind had somehow grown larger, he knew things now that an animal can’t know” Epic of Gilgamesh 2: 190, showing the great impact Shmhat had on him. Although here women were displayed in a positive light, they were also displayed in a negative one. The goddess Ishtar can be seen as a negative goddess due to her actions upon Gilgamesh. Gilgamesh’s victory over Humbaba intrigues Ishtar sending her to address the king in Uruk where she says “marry me, give me your luscious fruits, be my husband, by my sweet man. I will give you abundance beyond your dreams” Epic of Gilgamesh 6: 5- 10), offering to make Gilgamesh rich, giving him a lustrous empire, and respect from everyone. However, Gilgamesh turns down this advance causing Ishtar to seek the Bull of Heaven for revenge. Both brave characteristics displayed by Shamhat and Ishtar show how women during the Mesopotamian time were well respected. The superior roles both women hold are definitely unique to this time.

Ishtar and Shamhat were not the only early women who assumed brave roles when it came to men, in the text Antigone, Sophocles uses Antigone as a foil character to portray the effect of obedience and rebellion on a society, but specifically women. In this text, Antigone is a rebellion women of 5th Century Greece; she chooses not to conform to what society expects her to be. Instead, she is an independent woman who is always challenging the implied social standards. Antigone’s sister, Ismene serves as a foil character to her; Antigone is much more independent and bold than her sister and you see that when Antigone is willing to risk her life in order to do what she feels is right. Antigone tells her sister she’ll “lie with the one [she] love and loved by him- an outrage sacred to the god! …Do as you like, dishonor the laws the gods hold in honor” (Sophocles 25), showing her strong, brave, and independent attitude to do what she feels is right. This also shows the determination she holds, which many women during this time did not possess. Ismene’s weakness is exposed when she tries to convince her sister not to go on with the burial; she says she’d “do them no dishonor… but defy the city? [She had] no strength for that” (Sophocles 28), showing the common theme of subordination to authority, specifically men. While Antigone acts on independence, Ismene acts on obedience. Antigone’s character as a whole can be summed up as outspoken. She openly opposes the idea of fearing men multiple times; for example, when she confronts Creon she has no fear in her heart. She says “And even if I die in the act, that death will be glory. Ill lie with the and loved by him- an outraged sacred to the gods! … Do as you like dishonor the laws the gods hold in honor” (Sophocles 21), emphasizing her astonishing attitude. To any other person in this society, men are feared and for someone, especially a female, to defy these social norms isn’t seen as okay. Her rebellious spirit that drove her actions was the same thing that lead her to becoming the tragic heroin. Antigone’s independence and fearless attitude is what ultimately helped her to be recognized in the text. Her rebellion during this time was very unusual and very frowned upon, but this never stopped Antigone. She truly earned her name of a tragic heroin.

The amazing bravery of women did not stop here, in Vibia Perpetua’s martyrdom, The Passions of St. Perpetua and Felicity, she is a Christian woman known for her execution in the arena in Carthage on 7 March 203. Perpetua did not let society confine her by how she was supposed to act, but instead took a traditionally masculine role on many different occasions. Once again, the theme of a woman fearing a man because of his superiority is seen in this text. The first account of this is seen when Perpetua states how she is “without [her] father for a few days [and gives] thanks unto the Lord; and [she] was comforted because of his absence” (Passion 2), showing her unease when she is in the presence of her father, a superior male figure in her life. Later on, in the text, she also states how she “spoke to [her] mother and strengthened [her] brother and commended [her] son unto them” (Passion 2). This emphasizing the dominant role she assumed, normally the role of male. This quote is also important because she says she had to “strengthen [her] brother”, an act a male would normally help another male with. But, this is not the only social norm defied in this martyrdom. As Perpetua’s father is begging her to reaccept him in her life he says “if [he] is worthy, to be called father by [her]; if with these hands [he has] brought [her] unto this flower of youth- and [he has] preferred [her] before all of [her] brothers; give [him] not over to the reproach of men. ” (Passion 2) This being significant because his choice to choose her over her brothers says a lot. In ancient times, the sons always assume the role over the throne, therefore being put before the daughters; but, this case demonstrates the complete opposite. The implication of her father begging for a relationship shows how Perpetua possessed more respect than some males of this time.

All in all, the strict gender roles and social norms society has implicated on the world has not stopped women from being brave and standing up for themselves. If anything, it has given women the chance to unite with one another to make sure we receive the same respect and rights as men do. These early historical figures taking a stand brought hope into the world that we now as women have to continue to carry out until we are treated equal. Even today, women still cannot enjoy equal opportunities in politics, education, or the work field. We still face gender-based violence and discrimination. Progress is not inevitable, as a society we can take action to ensure women have a life of dignity and fairness.