BC-900s AD—Society and Women’s Lives
Delving into the pages of history, especially during the era dating back to the 900s BC, provides not just a short look, but a deep dive into the societal fabric of ancient civilizations. The tapestry of human society was intensely complex during these times, and interestingly, the role of women, often nestled in the shadows of historical narratives, played an exceptionally fundamental part in shaping the dynamics that have echoed through the ages. In order to encapsulate the essence of this era, we must journey through time and imagine a world distinctly separate from our contemporary, technology-driven society. The 900s BC falls within the ambit of what historians commonly refer to as the Iron Age. This was a period marked by the widespread use of iron or steel, transitioning from the Bronze Age, which introduced advancements in agriculture, warfare, art, and architecture. These leaps were not just technological, but also cascaded into new societal norms, cultures, and the geopolitical landscape. Now, what did this signify for women? It's an important question, because during these ancient times, societies were predominantly patriarchal. However, this didn't translate into a universal experience for all women, as their roles and freedoms were as diverse as the cultures that thrived during the Iron Age. From the spirited debates in the agoras of Greece to the 1 reaches of the far east, women's lives were intricately woven into the history of human civilization. In certain areas, women assumed roles that were central to governance and religion. There were women in places of power, like queens and priestesses, who not only held ceremonial roles, but also wielded significant influence on societal decisions and spiritual rituals. These were realms where women's wisdom, intuition, and leadership were revered and sought after. Contrary to popular belief, their voices echoed strongly within the walls of temples and the corridors of power. However, on the other end of the spectrum, in many societies, women's roles were confined to the domestic sphere. The sphere, though often overlooked in historical retrospectives, was crucial for societal survival and continuity. The nurturing of offspring, preservation of the family line, the offering of cultural knowledge, and handling household economies were responsibilities resting on the shoulders of these ancient women. They were the silent wheels turning the gears of the ancient societal machinery. Moreover, the Iron Age was also a period of trade and cultural exchanges, which saw a subtle shift in women's societal positions. With trade came the mingling of cultures and ideas, slowly chipping away at the monolithic societal norms. Women in several cultures began to enjoy more economic freedoms, engaging in trade, and even craftwork, contributing to the economy of their societies. Understanding the lives of women in the 900s BC is not merely an academic expedition, but a human one. It allows us to appreciate the layers of complexity in the roles women assumed beyond the written records predominated by male perspectives. It highlights the resilience, influence, and the multifaceted roles of women—a testament to their undeniable contribution to the societal tapestries we are part of today. This exploration is a bridge connecting the past and present, reminding us that history is not just a series of events but a continuum of human experiences. 2 Society and Women’s Lives When you go back to the 900s BC, you have to go through a maze of historical changes. During this time, different realms grew, trade lines became tangled, and cultures thrived in their own unique ways. Among the many levels of society, women stood out not just as ghostly figures, but as real people who changed the very foundations of society. Their stories, which are written in many places and times, are very important for understanding the complex tapestry of old human history. Ancient Greece Beyond the gods’ shadows in the city-states of ancient Greece, women’s existence shifted between societal strictures and subtle autonomy. While the Hellenic norms largely anchored them to domestic responsibilities, the period witnessed an evolution in their societal participation. Some women, particularly in regions like Sparta, engaged actively in physical training, land management, and even intellectual pursuits, challenging the customary passive narrative. Moreover, their central roles in religious festivals, such as the Thesmophoria, underlined their intrinsic value in societal spirituality and sustenance (Cartwright, 2023). Ancient Egypt On the other hand, Egyptian women inhabited a world where their rights significantly diverged from their Greek contemporaries. The legal system permitted them property ownership, financial management, and court representations. Notably, the throne of the pharaohs itself wasn't beyond reach, as queens like Hatshepsut demonstrated, ruling with undisputed authority. This matriarchal resilience was also cultural, with women central to religious ceremonies, thus weaving a unique narrative of female power (EES, 2023). 3 Mesopotamia In Mesopotamian society, particularly under the Sumerians, we see a detailed canvas where priestesses, especially the “En,” not only had religious power, but also influenced state and political moves. They thrived alongside male priests in temples, managing massive economic resources and participating in sacred rituals that affirmed their societal and spiritual prowess. However, in the Assyrian context, women’s lives starkly contrasted with their Sumerian sisters. Bound by rigorous laws, they were often confined to their homes, with their rights significantly curtailed, illustrating the societal pendulum women experienced within varying Mesopotamian empires (Mark, 2022). The Far East In the Far East, especially during the Zhou Dynasty of China, Confucian lessons had a big effect on what women had to do. Because they believed in family respect and obedience, they could only live in their own homes. One example of the complicated dualities in women's social standing is the worship of female ancestors in family rituals and the rise to power of famous people like Fu Hao, a military strategist (Brisch & Karahashi, 2023). The Indus Valley The civilization of the Indus Valley offers glimpses of women’s roles through terracotta figurines and seals. These suggest women's possible involvement in religious spheres, possibly even as deities. Their engagement in trade and agriculture is postulated from the depictions of their participation in market activities and grain storage, indicating a civilization where women potentially balanced roles of economic and spiritual significance. The narrative of women in the 900s BC is a tapestry of diverse threads. From the shores of the Mediterranean to the valleys of the Indus, women 4 navigated through a spectrum of societal roles, governance structures, and cultural expectations. Understanding their journey is integral to decoding the complex mosaic of human civilization. It beckons contemporary society to recognize these historical nuances, thereby gaining insights into a past that shapes and resonates with the present's continual quest for equality and understanding (Harappa, 2016). Education of the Women of this Era Delving into the 900s BC, one enters a realm where the framework of society rested heavily on patriarchal foundations. This ancient time, characterized by its diverse cultural tapestries, presents a unique study of the roles and spaces occupied by women, particularly regarding education, health, and wellbeing. While these aspects of life are fundamental rights in modern contexts, they morph into complex, often elusive privileges when viewed through the historical lens of the 900s BC. In the sphere of education, the narrative was conspicuously uniform across civilizations. The concept of formal education for women, particularly for girls, was virtually non-existent, overshadowed by the societal decree of domesticity. Daughters in families, irrespective of their social status, were typically relegated to informal spaces for learning. Homes transformed into the primary educational institutions for young girls. Here, mothers, the unsung pedagogues, imparted essential survival knowledge—not through scrolls—but through oral traditions and demonstrations. Skills such as weaving, cooking, child-rearing, and basic healthcare weren't just chores, but curriculum components ensuring family sustenance and continuity. While girls' education didn't involve literacy or scholarly pursuits, it embraced a profound understanding of agricultural practices, herbal medicines, and community engagement. This uncodified yet practical body of knowledge enabled women to contribute significantly to their households and communities, albeit within confined perimeters (The Open University, 2017). 5 Health & Wellbeing The domain of health and wellbeing for women in the 900s BC was a tapestry woven with threads of ancient wisdom, mysticism, and societal norms. Women often emerged as custodians of health within the family and community, their roles shaped by ancestral knowledge passed down generations. From delivering babies to preparing herbal concoctions, they were the unsung practitioners of holistic health. However, this crucial responsibility came with no formal authority, leaving women vulnerable to accusations of witchcraft or sorcery, reflecting the precarious balance they maintained. The societal expectation of resilience and fortitude often meant women's physical and emotional wellbeing was secondary. Yet, ancient scripts and archaeological findings hint at communal rituals and festivals, spaces where women possibly found psychological solace, bonding, and even moments of mirth and relaxation. The societal architectures of the 900s BC, while seemingly rigid, witnessed the silent resilience and adaptability of women. Navigating through the corridors of informal education and holistic health practices, women, often undervalued, were indeed pillars supporting and sustaining the edifice of ancient civilizations. Recognizing their contributions requires a nuanced understanding of their lives, acknowledging that their survival skills, health maintenance practices, and emotional labor laid foundational stones for communities' survival and prosperity. Their stories, a blend of strength and strategy, continue to resonate with modern struggles, reminding us of unbroken threads of resilience woven through human history (The Open University, 2017). Technology and Women of the Time This era was a world awakening to the cadence of progress, where technological advancements were treasures guarded and bequeathed through select channels, predominantly by men. The narrative of this time, rich with artisanal guilds and merchant caravans, presents an 6 intriguing paradox where women, largely veiled from the forefront of technological exchange, significantly influenced its very trajectory. The technological panorama of the 900s BC cannot be painted without the broad strokes of the Stone, Bronze, and Iron Ages, each era representing a significant leap in material culture and societal complexity. The Stone Age In the lingering chapters of the Stone Age, women were instrumental in advancing technology, though their contributions often remain unsung. Their roles extended beyond gatherers, as they crafted pottery, textiles, and rudimentary jewelry, essentially developing technologies that would become central to human settlement and societal advancement (Schlott, 2023). The Bronze Age With the advent of the Bronze Age, metallurgy came into the limelight. Though the smelting furnaces were realms dominated by men, women partook in auxiliary, yet crucial roles. They crafted intricate beadwork, assembled decorative garments, and even molded clay objects for domestic and communal usage, indirectly nurturing the aesthetic and practical aspects of emerging technologies (Knipper, 2017). The Iron Age The Iron Age introduced stronger tools, weapons, and a surge in architectural prowess. While men wielded the new iron instruments, women's silent influence permeated through their continued engagement with agricultural innovations, pottery, and weaving, activities paramount to societal stability and progress (Pope, 2023). The 900s BC was a mosaic of civilizations, each with its distinct technological landscape. Despite the overarching patriarchal norms, women managed to imprint their ingenuity across various domains. 7 Mesopotamia In the cradle of civilization, women, particularly those in royal courts or temple complexes, sometimes went above their expected roles. Historical remnants suggest women’s involvement in administrative tasks, necessitating the use of seals and early record-keeping technologies, hinting at a nuanced engagement with technological advancements of the era (Mark, 2022). Egypt The Nile civilization presents intriguing insights. Women like Merit Ptah, cited as the first female physician, and the pharaoh Hatshepsut's ambitious architectural endeavors, showcase how women didn't merely interact with technology, but actively propelled it forward within societal and health-related spheres (EES, 2023). Aegea In the Aegean realms, notably in Minoan and Mycenaean societies, women's connection to technology unfolded differently. Frescoes and domestic artifacts indicate their involvement in textile production and pottery, crafts that demanded technological adeptness and innovation, contributing to the economic fabric (Cartwright, 2023). Oriental Movements Moving eastward, in ancient China, women's technological influences resonated subtly yet significantly. From sericulture (silk production) to early contributions in agriculture and cuisine, their expertise enriched not only domestic realms, but also commerce and trade (Brisch & Karahashi, 2023). The tapestry of the 900s BC, abundant with technological strides, owes much to the silent female forces. Women, maneuvering within the alcoves 8 allowed to them by societal structures, influenced and advanced technology through avenues often overlooked: craftsmanship, agriculture, administration, and even early medical practices. Their narratives, though not always heralded in epic tales or told specifically in history books, are embedded in the very foundations of human progress. Acknowledging women's roles requires a lens that sees beyond the conventional, recognizing contributions wrapped in domestic cloaks or echoing silently in the artifacts and cultural remnants they left behind. It's a journey of understanding that not all advancements are born in the limelight, and the whispers of history are just as vital as the roars in comprehending our collective journey through the ages. Women of Influence The Virgin Mary—Mother of Jesus The story of the Virgin Mary, revered as the mother of Jesus Christ, weaves a tapestry of faith, challenge, and inspiration that resonates deeply across the centuries. Originating in the Middle East during a period cradling harsh realities for women, Mary's narrative sculpts a revolutionary frame for the feminine identity. Back in those days, Mary's world was thick with tension. Women lived under stringent societal norms, with expectations to be mostly silent, subservient characters in the grand play of life. However, Mary, a figure of humility and obedience, presented an enigmatic counter-narrative. Her acceptance of a divine, albeit culturally controversial, commission intertwined strength with faithfulness. This young woman, confronting public scandal, chose faith in the unseen, and this brave "yes" became a fulcrum in history, pivoting the way women perceived their roles, capacities, and divine possibilities. Mary’s journey was no rose garden. It was fraught with the perils of ridicule, the constant buzz of societal judgment, and the tumultuous terrain of being part of a divine plan that would forever shift the religious landscape. Her influence was subtle, not brandished in revolutionary cries or public defiance, but in quiet strength, resilience, and the audacity of trust. This remarkable demeanor, this grace under fire, drew a compelling 9 blueprint that other women, feeling the pressures of their restrictive societal brackets, could lean into. Here was someone relatable, approachable, and yet, undeniably powerful in her calm poise amidst life's storms. Fast forward to today, and the ripples of Mary's influence surge across time, cradling more than just religious sanctity. She emerges as a symbol of maternal strength, unyielding faith, and profound influence through gentleness, in a world that equates influence with force. Art, literature, and modern protests for women's rights have found in Mary a figure embodying peaceful yet profound rebellion against unjust norms. In various cultures, Mary's perceived virtues adapt to local needs. From advocacy for the poor and downtrodden to an icon of familial commitment, her image, echoed in the serene faces of cathedral sculptures, or the passionate depictions in Latin American communities, speaks of a woman's potential to sway history without sword or scepter. This universal mother figure, tender yet tenacious, continues to breathe life into women's diversified paths towards influence, reminding them that their power, often underestimated, can indeed move mountains, if only they dare to believe (Callahan, 2013). Cleopatra—Ruler of Egypt Cleopatra's saga, etched in the sands of Egypt, is as captivating today as it was millennia ago. Born in 69 BCE, she wasn't just any royal figure; she was a powerhouse of intellect, determination, and strategy. She showed early on that she wasn't content with just wearing a crown. Remarkably, she made the effort to connect with her subjects, speaking the Egyptian language, which was quite uncommon for a ruler from her dynasty. Life threw endless challenges at Cleopatra. Ascending to the throne at 18, she faced hardships and uncertainty within her royal court and pressure from foreign powers. Knowing the importance of strong alliances, she strategically aligned herself with influential Roman leaders like Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. While many talk about romantic angles in these alliances, in reality, these were tactical moves made for the stability and prosperity of her realm. 10 Cleopatra's impact, however, stretched beyond political maneuvering. She was a cultural icon, embracing and showcasing her Egyptian heritage while also introducing reforms. Under her guidance, Egypt grew rapidly as a center of learning and commerce. The very fabric of her rule was woven with threads that highlighted the prosperity and cultural renaissance of her people, imprinting a lasting legacy on the sands of time. Yet, the world often peers at Cleopatra through the lens of her romantic entanglements, overshadowing her astuteness and prowess as a leader. Her alliances, often seen as mere romantic liaisons, were, in fact, calculated political strategies that showcased her intellectual acumen. Her demise, a tragic blend of the personal and political, marked the end of an era, as Egypt's sun set under the shadow of the Roman Empire. But Cleopatra's legacy has become more than just her physical life. She stands as a beacon of resilient leadership and impactful historical presence, especially in challenging circumstances (Terpilowski, 2010). The upcoming chapter serves as a tribute to the intrepid women of history. Between the lines of conquests and throne succession stories, we delve into lives that have survived the eroding effect of time, primarily through whispers, sometimes in legends, and other times in the silent, steadfast stone of monuments. We will explore their battles with society and the world around them, their success, impact, and everything in between. 1
