Problem:
Byzantine attitudes toward women were always ambivalent, something that can be seen in their conflicting ideals of virginity and celibacy, and marriage and motherhood. While Byzantines tended to consider virginity superior to marriage, the family remained the key unit of society. Explain how these ambivalent views impacted the daily lives of women (at all social levels), including nuns, saints, and empresses. Be sure to give specific examples from the Cavallo to illustrate your response.