Medieval Women Essay

540 Words3 Pages

Women had a much higher level of recognition than in most other medieval societies. Any comparison of a Mongolian woman to an animal is extremely implausible and not supported by quality information. In fact, the Yassa, the major law codex of the empire, specifically prohibited treating women like property and other kinds of discrimination. Plural Marriage and having kept woman were allowed, but adultery in an official marriage was punished by death both for men and women. Children from concubines were often introduced into the family and allowed a share in inheritance. The wives and concubines were expected to be on good terms and run the household together. Marriages of propriety were common as well as in the rest of medieval world, and …show more content…

Display of (financial) independence from their family in married women was encouraged and recognized as a sign of maturity. A khan 's widow or mother could be a regnant ruler for extended periods of time and generally women could command military units or operations, although usually after being appointed by a senior commander. Women were performing many tasks like setting up the camps, constructing tents, tending to wagons and military equipment duties rarely if ever trusted to women in other societies of that era. Thus, the laws protected not only the social status of the women but also their physical health. The role of Mongolian women in Mongolian society and culture has been prominent in large part due to the need for sharing the Mongolian nomadic life style 's strenuous herding and household workloads in an extreme climate. Mongolian women have been known historically for their physical strength, bravery, and devotion to family. From the earliest Mongolian history we can see the deep bond between Mongolian women and their children. In the most important Mongolian historical account, we can read of numerous episodes in the life of Chigghis Khan and his family where the actions of his mother and wife were pivotal to his life and those of his descendants. We see the powerful influence of Khubilai Khan 's