What was the role of the kyria in the oikos?

Learning ObjectivesTo assess who had the control in an Athenian marriage

To investigate the role of the kyria

To judge who was the most important to the oikos

The role of the Kyria• On your tables you have a selection of sources describing

the role of the kyria. • Read each source, decide which role it discusses, and then

summarise it in the appropriate section of your chart.

• Domestic duties• Motherhood• Rights

• Extension: In what ways do you think the life of a poor Athenian women could be better than the life of a rich Athenian women?

Read about the role of women in Greek society

Highlight evidence which suggest women played an important part in Greek households in one colour and evidence that they lacked status in another colour.

What can we learn about Greek fashion for women and does this tell us anything about their status?

Kyrios vs Kyria• Who was the most important to the oikos? kyrios or

kyria?• On your tables you are going to have a silent debate.

One of you will be arguing the side of the kyrios, the other the side of the kyria.

• You must convey all of your arguments on paper – you cannot do it verbally.

• To make an important you can write in capitals/big – but you are not allowed to cross out each others work!

• You do not have to debate in an orderly fashion – you should all be writing at the same time.

Kyrios vs Kyria

• Pass your debate to the next table so that they can judge who has won

• Read the key points of the debate you have been passed

• As a group decide which side you think has won – write this on the back of the debate and explain why.

Judgement

• Who was the most important to an Athenian household, Kyrios of Kyria? Why?

• Extension: Do you think that any of the roles of the Kyrios and Kyria still hold true today? Why?