Women in the Ancient World

The daily lives and roles of women in the ancient world of Greece and Rome, Egypt and the Near East were fascinating and varied, often going well beyond the traditional view of `a woman's place'. Through themes such as domestic life, religion, royalty, work, motherhood and mourning, stereotypes, costume and the body, this lively book explores the traditions and trends of different cultures, using intriguing juxtapositions of images to compare and contrast thé attitudes of each society. The author takes a fresh and thought - provoking look at new ways of viewing these images, pointing out the signs that reveal how a woman is to be viewed, whether as an example of perfect femininity or the object of scorn. This beautifully designed book is packed with a wide range of objects from the collection of the British Museum, including sculpture, wall - paintings, jewellery, mummy - cases and domestic artefacts. Revealing compelling details about the everyday lives of women in the ancient world, often with surprising resonances for our own lime, it will delight, inform and entertain.