Under what conditions did adultery bring shame in the Greco-Roman world?
A) if the guilty party was female
B) if the adultery involved the wife of another man
C) both a and b
D) Adultery always brought shame on both parties.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the Greco-Roman world, societal norms and values placed a heavy emphasis on the chastity and fidelity of women, particularly within the institution of marriage. Adultery brought shame primarily when it involved a married woman, either as the guilty party or as the victim, because it was seen as a violation of the husband's property rights over his wife. The double standards of the time meant that men's extramarital affairs were often overlooked or accepted, especially if they were with slaves, prostitutes, or unmarried women, whereas women's infidelity was harshly condemned.

Under What Conditions Did Adultery Bring Shame in the Greco-Roman