Greek and Mesopotamian social values

Greek & Mesopotamian Social Values

Contrasts & Comparisons of Ancient Greek and Mesopotamian Values

The treatment of women in the cultures of Ancient Greece and Mesopotamia were very different. In Greece, women were treated as property, and rape was not only common, but accepted regardless of the woman's social status. This abuse of women is even shown in the artwork of the period, which helps to indicate that it was a socially acceptable practice. Mesopotamian women, on the other hand, were treated with more respect, and could even own land and conduct business, even though the basic role of the woman as wife and keeper of the house were the same. Rape was seriously frowned upon in Mesopotamia; so much so that there are several entries in Hammurabi's Code outlining the severe punishment involved in rape. Not even their gods got away with rape, whereas the Greek gods were honored for their acts of rape.

Another point of contrast between these two cultures it that Greece was founded with a patriarchal culture while Mesopotamia was initially a matriarchal society. Zeus is the primary god in ancient Greece, and he was seen as the ultimate in power. However, in Mesopotamia, Ishtar was considered the primary god, and Ishtar was a woman. It is interesting to note that in Mesopotamia war is considered a feminine pursuit, and Ishtar is the god of war, while in Greece it is primarily a male pursuit and, though there are specific gods of war, Zeus is seen as the ultimate leader in times of war.

Despite these differences there are strong similarities between these two cultures as well. Slavery, for instance, was practiced in both cultures. The abundance of slaves was an indication of social rank and prosperity in both the Mesopotamian and ancient Greek cultures. Slaves account for the bulk of the workforce in both countries as well.