In Ming China, the Ottoman Empire, and the West African kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai, wealthy men could have several wives. What does this reveal about the attitudes of these societies towards women? Women in these societies were regarded as the equals of men. Women were treated as possessions who served the needs and enhanced the status of their husbands. Women’s tasks were considered so important that many women were needed to perform them well. Women were viewed as physically weaker than men, but admired for their intellectual talents. ... ...