Claire Epps
Block: H
Mr. Ward
Woman
Woman
in the Byzantine and Islamic empires did not have the same rights as men at
that time. Although their rights and customs were different to those of men,
the woman of the Byzantine Empire to the west had similar characteristics to
the woman of the Islamic empire to the east. One thing that was similar to all
woman in both empires, were the ways in which they were educated. Jewelry was
seen in common day life being worn by woman in both empires. There were certain
types of patterns that were common during this time period.
In both the Byzantine and Islamic
empires, woman were not only allowed to be educated, but were expected to do
so. Woman often times served as owners
of small shops including textiles, clothing, etc. Some women, such as Danelis,
a very wealthy widow, became well- known businesswomen. It is thought that some
female rulers were so well educated, that they became military commanders.
This marble statue that is exhibited
in the Metropolitan Museum of Art depicts a woman holding a scroll, a symbol of
an educated person in the Byzantine Empire. Teresa Lai wrote in an article in
the Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History that because the woman’s fingers are so
long, it suggests that she prides herself in being educated.
Woman took great pride in their jewelry in both empires.
Gold jewelry with pierced-work patterns were extremely popular throughout both
empires. The elaborate decoration of jewelry and other things was known as diatrita
in Greek. Diatrita was found on bracelets, necklaces, and even crosses worn on
clothing or found around the house.
This cross,
found in the Islamic Empire, is the largest known surviving cross depicting
diatrita.
Outline:
I.
Although
their rights and customs were different to those of men, the woman of the
Byzantine Empire to the west had similar characteristics to the woman of the
Islamic empire to the east.
II.
A.
This
marble statue that is exhibited in the Metropolitan Museum of Art depicts a
woman holding a scroll, a symbol of an educated person in the Byzantine Empire.
Teresa Lai wrote in an article in the Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History that
because the woman’s fingers are so long, it suggests that she prides herself in
being educated.
III.
This cross,
found in the Islamic Empire, is the largest known surviving cross depicting
diatrita.
IV. In
both the Byzantine and Islamic empires, woman were not only allowed to be
educated, but were expected to do so.
a.
Woman
often times served as owners of small shops including textiles, clothing, etc.
Some women, such as Danelis, a very wealthy widow, became well- known
businesswomen. It is thought that some female rulers were so well educated,
that they became military commanders.
V.
Woman
took great pride in their jewelry in both empires.
a.
Gold
jewelry with pierced-work patterns were extremely popular throughout both
empires. The elaborate decoration of jewelry and other things was known as
diatrita in Greek. Diatrita was found on bracelets, necklaces, and even crosses
worn on clothing or found around the house.
Bibliography
"Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History." Byzantium (ca. 330–1453).
Teresa Lai, n.d. Web. 14
"Lost Islamic History | Bringing Back Islamic
History." Lost Islamic
History. N.p., n.d. Web.
Gordon, Matthew. Islam.
New York: Oxford University Press, Inc. 2002.
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