P-58 The Life and Status of Women in Achaemenid Persia

Buller Hallway

“The Life and Status of Women in Achaemenid Persia” aims to understand and explain Persian culture in light of the story of Esther and to dispose of presuppositions that may have arisen from misunderstandings of Jewish culture. Understanding this information gives us a better picture of how women lived within the palace thereby facilitating an understanding of how Esther may have lived. To accomplish this, the Persepolis Fortification Tablets, resources that examine the archeological structure and composition of the Palace in Persepolis, and current studies on women in Persia have been explored. The Persepolis Fortification Tablets provide information on transactions of goods (grain, wine, etc.), information on properties owned, salaries, and occupations of Persian women. It has been found that women could have their own scribes, estates/properties, and incomes. Understanding this information gives us a better picture of how Esther may have lived.