Finding the female in ancient Greek landscapes

This thesis examines the associations between females and landscape in ancient Greek evidence from the Archaic to Hellenistic periods. Drawing on select linguistic evidence, it demonstrates that ancient Greek poets and authors use landscape and its features in numerous ways in relation to females. These include their bodies and physical appearances; culturally prescribed female experiences including maidenhood, womanhood and motherhood; female sexuality and sensuality; the manifestation or expression of female power, ability and persona; and female participation in society such as in ritual and religion, marriage as an institution and physical labour in cultivated landscapes. The investigation reveals women who negotiate their roles in social norms, expectations and relationships with others, whilst challenging the assignment of the female to passivity, silence and seclusion.