Historical Investigation Case Study: Babylonian Civilization

Historical Investigation Case study: Babylonian Civilization

One of the most enthralling cities, still surrounded by mystery through the ages of the ancient world would be that of Babylon. Known for its tremendous size, beauty, culture, wealth and its advanced standard of civilization, that still intrigues historians to this day.

Focal Question 1: What were the roles played and the status achieved by women in Babylon?

The Babylonian woman's role and status has always been very strictly defined. It adamantly consisted of her as the daughter of her father or the wife of her husband. Women seldom acted as individuals outside the context of their families, those who rarely did however, were of royalty or the wives of men who had the most power and status amongst society.

In addition to a highly distinct social hierarchy in a patriarchal society, women too had status dependent

on the role they played. Women who came from the wealthy and influential sector of society had statues made and placed in temples; this was done so that their images were in constant prayer and assisted in defining them as the women who held the highest status.

New mothers and pregnant women were greatly regarded and received higher rations and privileges. The mother, the nurse and the physician all received higher rations if a boy was delivered, receiving almost twice the amount of mothers of baby girls.

If a wife failed to bear children to her husband, it was regarded as a serious predicament, and in usual situations resulted in a maidservant given the role of bearing the husbands children, if the maidservant produced a child however it was received as the wife's child. Under no circumstance would the maidservant be considered as an equal with the wife.

Women had the opportunity to own land, and run small services eg, from certain amounts of wheat their husband grew they were allowed to bake bread and sell it, it however was vigilantly watched over by the dominating male in the woman's life. Strict law codes in regard to these occupations were always adhered to, and they remained as an added chore,