Euphiletos’ Account of His Wife and Family
Studying Ancient Athens through the example of Euphiletos offers an intriguing viewpoint on the social mores, ethical standards, and legal structures that created this fledgling democracy, especially those about family, law, and citizenship. Euphiletos’s description of his family provides a vivid picture of home life in Classical Athens. His wife had a specific domestic responsibility focused on caring for the house and maintaining the family’s honor (Lysias 1, On the Murder of Eratosthenes, 2001). Contrarily, Euphiletos was the family’s primary decision-maker and the family’s sole source of income. Insight into the rigid gender roles that prevailed in Athens at this time may be gained from the revelation of his wife’s affair, which exposed a substantial departure from the norms expected of women.
Athenian Adultery Law and the Severity of the Offense
The law against adultery was a fundamental part of Athens’ judicial system. According to this legislation, a man had the right to kill another man if he caught him having an affair with his wife. The harshness of this penalty reflects the cultural importance placed on upholding family honor and authentic lineage. Adultery was viewed as a public insult that called into doubt the paternity of children, possibly problematic issues with inheritance, and maintaining familial continuity, in addition to being viewed as a personal betrayal.
Citizenship, Women, and Slaves: Social Hierarchies in Classical Athens
Euphiletos’ argument to the jury also highlights how highly valued citizenship was in Ancient Athens. Not only were the residents of Athens members of society, but they also stood up for the rule of law, morals, and the democratic system. This is clear from Euphiletos’ request for the jury’s assistance in his act of so-called “justice.”
Women and enslaved people held a position that was clearly inferior to that of citizens, which was in sharp contrast to their exalted rank. Women were seen as needing supervision and protection, but enslaved people, as mentioned in Euphiletos’ speech, were seen as little more than tools at the masters’ disposal, with no personal agency or political rights. We are compelled to reflect carefully on the beginnings of democracy and the social norms and ideals that it first defended in this rich and complicated historical tale.
Reference
Lysias 1, On the Murder of Eratosthenes. (2001). Diotíma. Web.