19th Annual Student Research Conference
Interdisciplinary
A Good Woman Lies Here: Women and Funeral Rites in Ancient Greece
Lindee R. Weese
Prof. Martha L. Rose, Faculty Mentor
Society is merely a reflection of the individuals within it—and those excluded from it. Aristocratic women in ancient Greece lived a sheltered life; their only outlet was participation in religious ceremonies, particularly funeral rituals. Some sources indicate that women were only slightly above the slaves—not even worthy to be considered Greeks; however, other records show that men appreciated and respected women and their role within society. Ancient Greek philosophers, tragedies, and ceremonies, along with the Greek language, give scholars a glimpse into the lives of Greek women, enabling them to reconstruct social history. Women and religion were interdependent in ancient Greece; and because Greek society revolved around gods and religion, women—who were oppressed and feared, praised and locked up—played a central role in the development and perpetuation of ancient Greece. These principles are illustrated especially well at the Kerameikos Cemetery, Classical Athens’ most important cemetery.
Keywords: Greece, Women, Athens, funeral
Topic(s):Study Abroad
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 58-1
Location: OP 2115
Time: 2:24