The ideal wife of

Ischomachos

The Age difference

How old is Ischomachos?

How old is his wife?

Why did Greek society consider such an age difference necessary?

The wife of Ischomachos (name: Chrysilla) is never named here, out of respectability

How did they meet, and who arranged the marriage?

Marriage

Marriage could be legally arranged by the woman’s father, brother, or paternal grandfather. (engye)

If none of them was alive, then she was considered an heiress (epikleros) and had to be given in marriage to the nearest male relative of her father, along with the family property which she carried with her.

The contract could be arranged years apart from the actual wedding ceremony and the consumation of the marriage.

The young wife of Ischomachos

Training:

She knew how to cook, make cloth, and other basic domestic stuff, but nothing much in terms of social skills.

It was his duty to train her as he wished.

What is the first lesson?

What was the purpose of the marriage?

Why was Ischomachos a suitable husband?

Why was Chrysilla a suitable wife?

What are her responsibilities

Manpower and servants

(Coordinate, delegate, look after)

Food

Clothes

Storage

The man needs to bring the raw materials to the house, but the woman and her attendants will convert them into usable household items (e.g. clothes to wear or food to eat).

Men and Women

Both Xenophon and Aristotle reflect the view that nature is wise and has made the male body and disposition in a manner that befits outdoors tasks, such as war, outdoors labor and politics

Both also agree that the female is made for good household management, motherhood, and family life.

Both discern a wise division of roles which makes households (oikos) run well, and consequently the entire city (polis) a healthier unit.