It is interesting how all the civilized areas whether Greek, Roman or Arab had the worst treatment and respect for women, while us in the Barbarian countries with Celts, Goths, Norsemen etc offered far more independence and respect towards women. This was also often the case with the "primitive" prairie native Americans.

More "primitive" cultures seem to always offer more freedom to women, than the most sophisticated civilizations. It is almost as if becoming civilized early was a curse.

I think the late Christianization of Scandianvia helped create a more gender egalitarian society. Christianity was generally a step back for women's rights. On the other hand Christianity brought an end to slavery and Viking raids. Or at least within Europe. It seems Christians where good at inventing excuses for enslaving Africans and native Americans.