Modern developments have changed the way ancient history is studied because of recent feminist and women’s empowerment movements. Throughout the last few decades in particular, women empowerment movements have been growing around the globe, raising awareness about discrimination and the unfair treatment of women throughout history. As a result, many people, both male and female, have demonstrated greater interest in studying women’s history and analyzing the female role in ancient societies. In Women’s History, gender has become more important, as social scientists are analyzing the biological and social implications each gender has on an individual’s role in society, and communities as a whole. Gender used to be regarded as either male or female, but due to these modern advancements, historians now believe that gender is as important as other factors, including race and social class, and has similar impacts on societies. More emphasis is put on the role gender had in ancient societies, …show more content…
Military leaders would conquer new land, and subsequently slaughter men and enslave the women. In Mesopotamia, these military commanders would regulate many aspects of women’s lives and trade the women amongst each other. The powerful military leaders essentially caused gender divisions because they exploited women’s sexuality and forced them into slavery. Furthermore, since men were the ones that attained new land and rose to power, they were seen as more authoritative and dominant. Additionally, kings would often decrease the importance of female goddesses, usually through making them the wives of other gods. As a result of military and political leaders, patriarchal beliefs arose in Mesopotamian societies as early as 3100 BCE, leading to the beginning of gender divisions in the ancient