The most classical political and social organization of society revolved around the idea of ​​patriarchy, a social system dominated by men. This system exacerbated the hereditary difference between men and women and assigned gender roles based on these observations. Men were generally considered superior to women and were therefore given greater religious and political roles as well as more legal rights. In the natural opposite, women were subordinate and considered weeks; their main reproductive and domestic roles. Information on patriarchy in the classical period, although abundant, was, for the most part, written by men; therefore the story does not give us an accurate representation of women's points of view. Four classical-era societies, India, China, Greece, and Rome, adopted a patriarchal system, but, due to many factors, each developed identifiable characteristics. Because they had no traditional role in government, women had to make do. the system to gain any type of political leverage. Empress Lu violated all cultural and social norms by retaining the power of regent under the reins of her son, grandson, and adopted grandson. Traditionally, regents governed from behind the scenes while the emperor himself was unable to make decisions, usually due to health problems or age. However, Empress Lu eradicated all competitors for the throne. As the end of her reign approached, she hoped that her nephews would succeed her. Even as the first empress, no stranger to upending traditions, she left the position of emperor to the next male in her line (Doc. 5), not a female. Although Empress Lu defied all women's expectations, her power as empress was still unquestioned due to the Mandate of Heaven, an idea originating in the Shang Dynasty....... middle of paper.. ....c. 4). This is an example of one of the seven unequal relationships of Confucianism. Much of the social structure of classical China was based on Confucian ideals (Doc. 3). In Greece, the relationship between husband and wife is also very unequal due to young age and lack of education. Alone, a woman had no political rights and limited legal powers. It was therefore necessary for a husband to provide for his wife's needs much like a father would (Doc. 6). A woman would learn to manage her household and eventually have heirs. These two similar systems of social roles did not constitute a benevolent system. It did not take into account the well-being of individuals, particularly that of women who had little power to escape from a bad marital situation. However, by ensuring that people knew their place, which kept them in line, classical societies were more prosperous and able to function more easily..