Chalced *spoilers likely

[jrfarseer]

There is a nice bit of information about past Chalced in the 15th chapter of City of Dragons. When Ellik is talking to the Duke of Chalced about Chassim's poetry.

WARNING! Spoilers Rain Wild C.

"Then the words became scholarly and martial, citing historical references to times when the women of Chalced’s noble houses ruled alongside the men and governed their own affairs and properties and chose their own husbands. The little vines and flowers framed nothing less than a call to revolution."

I tend to agree with the comment above. If we are to believe Chassim, I don't know, maybe she is lying, but I don't think so. Then there was a time when women had power and respect in Chalced, and the oppression of women grew through political and social problems, maybe because of the constantly civil wars there? I think it has nothing to do with elderlings and dragons.