What happened to the women of Troy whose husbands are killed in battle

In the context of the ancient Greek epic, particularly in works such as Homer's "Iliad" and later tragedies like Euripides' "The Women of Troy," the women of Troy face a grim fate after the fall of the city. When Troy is conquered, the Trojan women, including prominent figures like Hecuba, Andromache, and Cassandra, are taken as captives by the victorious Greek soldiers. The fates of these women vary in different accounts: 1. **Slavery and Subjugation**: Many of the women become concubines or slaves to the Greek victors. For example, Andromache, the widow of Hector, is taken by Neoptolemus, the son of Achilles. 2. **Death and Tragedy**: Some women face execution, particularly those who are seen as a threat or hold significant status. For instance, in certain adaptations, Cassandra is killed, and Hecuba endures immense suffering and loss. 3. **Forced Marriages**: The victors may force marriages upon the captured women, using them to secure alliances or for other political purposes. 4. **Psychological Trauma**: The psychological impact of witnessing the death of their husbands and the destruction of their city leads to deep trauma and despair among the women. Overall, the fate of the women of Troy is deeply tragic and reflects themes of loss, subjugation, and the harsh realities of war as portrayed in ancient literature.