The Professional and Working Hellenistic Women of Independent Delos (314-167 BC)

In this seminar, the professional and working Hellenistic women of Delos during the island’s independence-period (314-167 BC) are examined. During this period, Delos flourished as a commercial centre of the Aegean Sea, with centralised commercial records kept by the sacred institutions of the island, which leased out land and provided loans to individuals. Beginning with an overview of the appearances of Delian women in inscriptions from this period, analysis will focus upon three specific case studies: the working women of Delos; women who seemingly engaged in financial transactions, such as paying family debts; and women who consented to the financial decisions of their husbands. The purpose of this seminar is to demonstrate that women in Hellenistic Delos actively engaged in the accumulation and exploitation of financial capital, both in their own right, and through providing support to their families.