Gender and Sexuality

1. Gender and Sexuality Instructor: K. Kapparis TA: Maria Papaioannou

2. Gender perceptions • The Greeks, like all human civilizations thus far, recognized gender on the basis of stereotypes of appearance, behavior and perceived social roles. • However, unlike most cultures that followed, were prepared to accept fluidity and non-conformity with the stereotypes.

3. The main issues • Traditional historical research has viewed women, children, aliens, slaves and the elderly as irrelevant in the historical process • The adult citizen male has been considered as the creator of civilization • This view of history is inaccurate

5. Greek Women • Greek Women have been viewed as victims of a patriarchal system, or as powerful inspirational figures for women of future generations • In reality, they have been the first women to write high caliber literature and produce art. • Many rose to prominence and secured a place in history in their own right

6. Ancient Slaves

7. Slaves • The powerhouse of ancient economics • Although ancient civilizations have been built on slave labor, the contribution of the builders has been forgotten. • Slaves have been treated as subhuman, although they were a diverse, large and culturally rich population in their own right.

8. Aliens • The aliens of the Greek world contributed to the vigor of the Athenian economy and culture. • In Rome, the Greeks set the foundations of the enduring legacy of the ancient world. • Yet, it seems as if it is ‘The Athenians’ or ‘The Romans’ who get the glory.

9. This course • Will challenge many of these historical stereotypes • Will examine social and cultural perceptions of gender, sexuality and other such concepts in the ancient Graeco-Roman context • Will search for the origins of our culture in the Graeco-Roman ethics.