Women of Mesopotmia 3500-559 B.C.

     The Mesopotamian woman's role was strictly defined. She was the daughter of her father or the wife of her husband. Women rarely acted as individuals outside the context of their families. Those who did so were usually royalty or the wives of men who had power and status. Soon after puberty, a young girl was considered ready for marriage. Marriages were arranged by the families of the future bride and groom. If her husband-to-be died before the wedding, she was then married to one of his brothers or another male relative. Most girls were trained from childhood for the traditional roles of wife, mother, and housekeeper.