Which term describes a male-dominated society, especially in ancient contexts?

The term that describes a male-dominated society, particularly in ancient contexts, is "patriarchal." In a patriarchal society, power and authority are typically held by men, with familial and societal structures often organized around male leadership and lineage. This concept has been widely studied in various historical cultures where men held primary authority over political, social, and economic institutions.

In ancient societies, patriarchal systems were prevalent, with men often serving as heads of families and communities, making critical decisions regarding governance and resources. This underscores the historical basis for understanding gender roles and the dynamics of power within different civilizations.

The other terms do not accurately describe a male-dominated structure. "Matriarchal" refers to a female-dominated society, where women, particularly mothers, hold significant authority. "Oligarchal" describes a society controlled by a small group of people, regardless of gender, and does not specifically indicate male dominance. Meanwhile, "democratic" refers to a system of government in which power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through freely elected representatives, again not specifically related to male domination. Therefore, "patriarchal" is the most fitting term to represent a male-dominated society in this context