When a woman removes her garment, she also removes the respect that is hers

When a woman removes her garment, she also removes the respect that is hers

In the ancient world, particularly in the time of Herodotus, women were often seen as symbols of purity, modesty, and respectability. Their clothing was not just a means of covering their bodies, but also a way of signaling their virtue and social standing. Therefore, the act of a woman removing her garment was not just a physical act, but a symbolic one that could have far-reaching consequences.

In Herodotus' writings, women are often portrayed as either virtuous and honorable, or as deceitful and manipulative. The removal of a woman's garment could be seen as a sign of her moral character, or lack thereof. For example, in the story of Cleomenes and the Spartan queen Gorgo, Gorgo's refusal to remove her garment in front of Cleomenes was seen as a sign of her virtue and loyalty to her husband. In contrast, the Persian queen Atossa's willingness to remove her garment in front of her husband Xerxes was seen as a sign of her lack of respectability and moral character.

Furthermore, in the ancient world, a woman's honor and respectability were closely tied to her family and social standing. A woman who removed her garment in public could bring shame not just upon herself, but upon her entire family and community. This could have serious consequences, including social ostracism, loss of status, and even violence or death.