Were women important in ancient Greece?

Women played no part in the Ancient Games as they were not allowed to even watch the games, let alone take part. The reason behind this is due to the fact that Olympia was dedicated to Zeus and was therefore a sacred area for men. The chariot races (introduced in later games) were held outside the sacred precinct, were open to women spectators. However some accounts do remark that the priestess of Demeter was required to attend and that maidens were also permitted to watch.