Dr. Oliver
World View 1
April, 26, 2017
The Role of Women in the Early Church Compared and Contrasted with the Greco Roman Culture
II.Women in the Greco-Roman culture and the Early church led very different lives. Things ranging from the gods they worshiped to the people they married clash with each other. Greco-Roman women lived as adulteresses and used their gods to excuse their shameful acts. Christian women of this time did not conform to that image. Their goal was to lead a righteous life in the eyes of their God. They were often martyrs for the Christian faith. The lives of women living in the Christian culture were more free than those who live in the Greco-Roman world.
III. Greco-Roman Woman
a. Daily Life: The day …show more content…
Or cause him to dissolve their marriage. All he had to do was say the word and she would be sent away for something as simple as going in public without her veil or stopping on the street to talk to another man. Toward the latter days of Rome, a couple of things changed. One was that women became more idolatrous,
"her loves, sudulteries, and lecheries, her songs and symphonies, her suppers and carousing, at Baiae on land and sea."2
It was uncommon for there to be a couple that were faithful to each other. Divorce became a well used option. Now the husband and/or the wife could ask for one to take place,
"thus, does she lord it over her husband. But before long she vacates her kingdom; she flits from one home to another wearing out her bridal veil.... Thus, does the tale of her husband's grow; there would be eight of them in the course of five autumns—a fact worthy of commemoration of
her …show more content…
Education: Girls got the same education as boys up until 13 years old at secondary school, which is equivalent to high school. Early education was taught by the mother or a nurse in a wealthy family. Children entered elementary school at seven years old. At 13, a successful student of either sex moved on to secondary school. Girls usually pursued dance or music. While boys pursued a more intellectual education.
g. Sexes: Prostitutes were legal and embraced by most people. They were required to wear a toga instead of a tola which is the traditional clothing of Roman women.
Women would often register as a prostitute just to evade the punishment of adultery.
h. Fashion: Women's fashion was a part of the culture. Nearly all of the women had brunette hair. They would comb it and tie it in a knot at the base of their neck.
Often nets were worn around the bun and a ribbon headband finished the look.
Cosmetics included: tweezers, razors, files, combs, hair nets, creams, oils, soaps, pastes. Silk was so commonly worn that men donned it as well as women. Girls wore a stola which was similar to a toga but longer and with a shawl as an addition.
Togas were worn by men. Jewelry was something to flash and show off according to wealth. It included: rings, earrings, necklaces, amulets, bracelets, breast chains, and