Social Status of Women in the Sassanid Period (Based on the Seals and its Effects)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PHD student at Department of History and Archeology, Islamic Azad University, Central Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran.

2 Associate professor at Department of History, Islamic Azad University, Shahroud Branch, Shahroud, Iran.

3 Associate professor at Department of History and Archeology, Islamic Azad University, Central Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

The knowledge gained in the field of social history in ancient Iran has constantly caused complications for researchers due to the method of historiography and the limitation of written sources. Meanwhile, the remnants of the Sassanid period (224-651 AD) provide researchers with more information in terms of quantity and quality. Nonetheless, the share of women as a significant population in society is limited. The issue under investigation in this study is how to recognize the situation of women in the Sassanid period based on the remaining seals of the mentioned period. This research has been done by a descriptive and analytical method whilst focusing on library data. The findings of the research indicate that according to the seals, stamps, coins and other works of art of the Sassanid period, in addition to the status of the queen, women have also reached the status of monarchy. Scenes of women next to men in the act of flower-giving acts considered as a request for matrimony and marriage is seen. The use of women's motifs on seals and other works of art can be considered as a new development and attitude towards women in Sassanid society.
Research aims:
1. A study of the position of women in Iranian society in the Sassanid period.
2. An analysis of the position of women in the Sassanid era based on the seals of this period.
Research questions:
1. What was the position of women in the Sassanid period in terms of social status?
2. What is the narration of the position of women in society in the remaining seals of the Sassanid period?

Keywords

References

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Islamic Art Studies
Volume 17, Issue 39 - Serial Number 39
December 2020
Pages 141-158

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