Women in Ancient Greece

With the exception of women in ancient Sparta, Greek women had very limited freedom outside the home. If they had their husband's permission, they could attend weddings, funerals, some religious festivals, and visit female neighbours for brief periods of time. But without their husband's permission, they could do none of these things. They could not leave the house, not even go to a temple to honour their gods, without their husband's permission. 

In their home, however, Greek women were in charge! Their job was to run the house, make the clothes, and bear children. Most Greek women did not do housework themselves. Most Greek households had slaves. Female slaves cooked, cleaned, and worked in the fields. Male slaves watched the door, to make sure no one came in when the man of the house was away, except for female neighbours, and acted as tutors to the young male children. 

Wives and daughters were not allowed to watch the Olympic Games as the participants in the games did not wear clothes. Chariot racing was the only game women could win, and only if they owned the horse. If that horse won, they received the prize.