Lysistrata: Greek Culture

In Lysistrata, the incorporation of the Acropolis demonstrates the values of the Greeks. The Greek world was full of gods and goddess such as Athena, the goddess of wisdom & war. These gods as well the the Acropolis was the center of Athens. It not only held a sanctuary to Athena but also the money that would be spent on the war. It was also tradition to make sacrifices in ancient Greece to the gods and in Lysistrata the women, instead of sacrificing a sheep, pray over wine. They all drink the wine as an oath to “cement their friendship”. The most significant values that can be seen through the story are those pertaining to the men’s relationship with their wives. During this time women had little or no power as Lysistrata demonstrates. Men were dedicated to war and concerned about little else. Their wives were to serve them when they returned home and bear their children. Although it is a silly tale of how the Peloponnesian war ended, the story of Lysistrata portrays the values of the period accurately.