The adult women of classical Athens—whether they were wives, slaves, or prostitutes—were all excluded from the city’s public affairs. Nearly all female citizens were married. Their duties as wives were restricted to organizing the household, supervising slaves, and performing domestic labor. Pericles said that the happiest wife was one about whom nothing was said, either good or bad. Athenian wives lived in quarters separate from the men and customarily did not even share the evening meal with their husbands. Foreign women could gain a place in Athenian society as a courtesan or prostitute. Some courtesans were highly educated and trained as musicians, and so were favored as companions as well as sexual partners. The courtesans accompanied men to evening banquets and may have been

Question

the only women permitted to attend the Greek theater. Courtesans had legal recognition and some apparently accumulated property, a right denied to other female citizens.

It can be inferred that
A) in many ways foreign courtesans were treated better than Athenian wives.
B) Pericles had many followers and advocates who were women.
C) Athenian women were large landowners.

Answer 1

A) in many ways foreign courtesans were treated better than Athenian wives.