Gynaiconitis

Gynaikonitis ( ancient Greek γυναικωνῖτις ), also Gynaikeion ( γυναικεῖον ), Latinized Gynaeceum or Gynoeceum in the Greek residential building refers to the women's wing, which was mostly - from the outside rather closed - on the upper floor. There was the equipment for the economical production of women ( loom , hand spindles, etc.)

The Andron corresponds to the women's wing , the area reserved for men.

In the churches of the Byzantine rite, gynaikonitis also refers to the galleries reserved for women on both sides of the central nave , such as those in the Hagia Sophia . The connection of the previously more neutral galleries as Hyperoa ("upper floors") with gender segregation is documented from the 6th century.

literature

• Sue Blundell: Women in Ancient Greece. Harvard University Press, Cambridge 1995.
• Sue Blundell: Women in Classical Athens. Classical World Series. Bristol Classical Press, London 1998, ISBN 1-85399-543-6

Individual evidence

1. ^ Paulus Silentiarius Descriptio ecclesiae sanctae Sophiae 389, 587
2. ^ Prokopios from Caesarea De aedificiis 1.1.58 [1]