The Importance of Women in Ancient Civilizations I

The Importance of Women in Ancient Civilizations I

Introduction

We continue our journey through different empires, searching for the values of women in those advanced civilizations of the past. We find that there too, women played a significant role, contributing to the greatness of those societies. We will explore ancient Sumer, Assyria, Babylon, Egypt, Greece, and the Roman Empire, both before and after Christianity.

Women in Sumerian Civilization

The Sumerian civilization flourished in southern Mesopotamia, between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, around 4000 B.C. It was one of the first known civilizations in human history. The Sumerians were pioneers in many aspects of civilization, including cuneiform writing, urban planning, and the development of a complex social and political structure. They created independent city-states governed by kings, priests, and priestesses; Ur, Uruk, Lagash, Nippur, and Kish, among others.

The Importance of Women in Sumerian Society

In Sumerian society, women played a significant role and enjoyed rights and freedoms. They had access to education, owned and managed their property, participated in trade, and served as priestesses in temples dedicated to Sumerian deities, being considered intermediaries between the gods and humans. The priestesses gained great influence and power in society. Their contributions in the religious, economic, and cultural spheres left a lasting impact on history and laid the foundation for the subsequent development of Mesopotamian societies.

One of the most important aspects of women in that civilization was their access to leadership and command positions. Only women led the temples, and the leadership was always held by a woman who acted as a kind of high priestess, as they were considered the living incarnation of a goddess, representing the wife of the temple god. They had the authority to decide on wars or treaties, and as the reincarnation of a goddess, they bestowed power upon the governor or king.

Notable Women in Sumerian Civilization

Kubaba (2500 B.C.): She was a Sumerian queen who established a hundred-year reign (2500-2330 B.C.). She ruled in the city of Kish, exercising political and religious leadership with great firmness and wisdom, being worshiped as a deity. She was succeeded on the throne by her son Puzur-Suen and later by her grandson Ur-Zababa.

Enheduanna (2285-2250 B.C.): A priestess, poet, and Akkadian writer, considered the oldest known poet. She held the position of high priestess of the temple of the goddess Nannar (the moon). She was the daughter of King Sargon I, who ruled the city-state of Ur. She wrote hymns and poems dedicated to the Sumerian gods, standing out in the literature of her time.

Nin Puabi (2600 B.C.): She was an Akkadian-Semitic queen and priestess who wielded political and religious power in the city-state of Ur. She was buried with 52 servant attendants who committed suicide to accompany and serve her in the afterlife.

Women in Assyrian Civilization

In Assyria, women had much greater autonomy than other women in Mesopotamia, ranging from managing agricultural properties to controlling the army. We will highlight several notable Assyrian women and their incredible contributions to the society of their time:

Shammu-Ramat or Semiramis: The Warrior Queen

This legendary woman was the wife of King Shamshi-Adad V. After his death, due to her skill and bravery, she assumed the throne as regent on behalf of her young son. She was a strong and astute leader, and she is credited with the expansion and strengthening of the Assyrian Empire during her reign. In addition to her political abilities, Shammu-Ramat was also a formidable warrior who led her Assyrian troops in several military campaigns, becoming an iconic figure in Assyrian history.

Naqi’a, the Pure: Entrepreneurial Merchant

Another great figure in Assyria is Naqi’a, the wife of Sennacherib, of Aramean origin. She was a shrewd merchant who defied the social norms of her time. The daughter of a wealthy merchant, she followed in her father's footsteps in international trade. Through her astuteness and business skills, she greatly expanded the trade routes of the Assyrian Empire. She established trade relations with neighboring civilizations and succeeded in importing and exporting valuable goods, boosting Assyria's economy. Her success in the world of commerce made her one of the most influential women of her time, and an inspiring example of determination and boldness.

Shammu-Ramat II: The Pioneering Astronomer

Shammu-Ramat II was a pioneering astronomer and scholar in the Assyrian Empire. She broke barriers in a male-dominated field and made significant contributions to the study of astronomy. She was recognized for her ability to make precise measurements of planetary movements and for developing advanced astronomical observation techniques. Her observations and knowledge helped Assyrian astronomers to better understand the cosmos and to create more accurate calendars. Shammu-Ramat II is a testament to the curiosity and intellect of women in the ancient Assyrian Empire.

Zakutu: The Powerful Priestess

Zakutu was a powerful priestess and spiritual leader in the Assyrian Empire. She was the high priestess of the temple of Ishtar in the city of Arbela and played a crucial role in the religious and ceremonial life of the Assyrian civilization. She was revered as an intermediary between the gods and humans, and her wisdom and connection with the divine granted her an authoritative status. Besides her religious duties, Zakutu was also an influential political advisor, actively voicing her opinions in the political and social affairs of her time. Her prominent position in the Assyrian religious hierarchy allowed her to have a significant impact on the daily life of the empire.

Conclusion

From political leadership to trade, astronomy, and religion, women in ancient civilizations played a fundamental role and left a lasting legacy on humanity. So next time you think about ancient history, remember that women were also key players in building those societies.