Gender roles in antiquity

In antiquity, gender roles were often shaped by societal norms and cultural beliefs, defining specific expectations for men and women. Men commonly held positions of power, participated in politics, and engaged in work outside the home, while women were generally responsible for household management and child-rearing. These roles varied across civilizations, such as Greece, Rome, Egypt, and Mesopotamia, but typically reflected a gender hierarchy that limited opportunities for women. Despite differences, some societies acknowledged women's influence in family and religious life, illustrating a complex interplay between gender expectations and individual agency in ancient times.