The Worlds of Roman Women


Book Description

An intermediate reader in Latin on the theme of women in the Roman world. Readings, exercises and extensive on line resources.




Roman Women


Book Description

Using historical sources ( Livy, Suetonius, et al) as well as numismatic and sculptural evidence, Rome Women details the lives of Rome's most influential women to examine, uniquely, what effect they had on contemporary politics, and or how far they and their reputations and actions reflected and affected women generally in Roman society. No existing book provides biographies of these extraordinary women and then examines the contemporary and later socio-political effects they had. Existing titles look at the bad women - notably the wives and mothers of emperors; Rome Women does that but also, uniquely, examines the good women too: the icons and the role models. No other book puts all if this in a socio-political context to form valuable conclusions about the effect these women had on Roman politics and society down the years. Good women such as Lucretia and Cornelia and the loyal wives described by Tacitus and Pliny are covered as are less virtuous but sophisticated and permissive women such as Clodia, Sempronia, Cynthia and Delia. The bad but politically significant are represented by Fulvia and Cleopatra (not a Roman but embroiled in things Roman) and many of the wives and daughter of the Emperors.




Roman Women


Book Description

Publisher description




Women and Society in the Roman World


Book Description

By their social and material context as markers of graves, dedications and public signs of honour, inscriptions offer a distinct perspective on the social lives, occupations, family belonging, mobility, ethnicity, religious affiliations, public honour and legal status of Roman women ranging from slaves and freedwomen to women of the elite and the imperial family, both in Rome and in Italian and provincial towns. They thus shed light on women who are largely overlooked by the literary sources. The wide range of inscriptions and graffiti included in this book show women participating not only in their families and households but also in the social and professional life of their cities. Moreover, they offer us a glimpse of women's own voices. Marital ideals and problems, love and hate, friendship, birth and bereavement, joy and hardship all figure in inscriptions, revealing some of the richness and variety of life in the ancient world.




Women in the Ancient World


Book Description

One of the reasons for the study of the Greek and Roman classics is their perpetual relevance. In no area can this position be more clearly defended than in the investigation of the feminine condition, for it was here that basic attitudes derogatory to the sex were molded by legal and social systems, by philosophers and poets, and by the thinking of men long since gone. Women in the Ancient World brings together essays that examine philosophy, social history, literature, and art, and that extend from the early Greek period through the Roman Empire. Their wide range of critical perspectives throws new light on the personal, political, socio-economic, and cultural position of women.




The World of Roman Costume


Book Description

Thirteen scholarly and well-illustrated essays survey, document and elucidate over a thousand years of Roman garments and accessories, including Etruscan influences, Near Eastern fashions and the transition towards early Christian garb.




Women and the Law in the Roman Empire


Book Description

This sourcebook fully exploits the rich legal material of the imperial period, explaining the rights women held under Roman law, the restrictions to which they were subject, and legal regulations on marriage, divorce and widowhood.




Reading Roman Women


Book Description

How do we retrieve the lives of "real Roman women"? This book presents a range of examples to support the argument that our ideas of what we "know" about women's work, sexuality, commerce and political activity in the Roman world have been shaped by the format, or genre, of each ancient source.




Women of the Roman Empire


Book Description

Dive Deeper into the World of Roman Women: Beyond Stereotypes and Simple Narratives For centuries, the image of Roman women has been confined to the domestic sphere – dutiful wives and mothers, relegated to the shadows of their male counterparts. But recent scholarship is painting a far richer and more complex picture. This comprehensive exploration delves into the fascinating lives of Roman women, revealing their influence, agency, and contributions that transcended the walls of the domus (household). Unveiling a Spectrum of Roles: From Housewives to Businesswomen: We'll explore how Roman women, particularly those from wealthy families, actively participated in the Roman economy. They managed businesses, owned property, and even engaged in trade, shattering the stereotype of their sole dependence on men. Educated Minds and Powerful Voices: Discover how education, though not universal, empowered Roman women. Literacy opened doors to philosophical discussions, participation in cultural life, and even the creation of their own narratives. Women like Sulpicia and Cornelia stand as testaments to the intellectual prowess and cultural contributions of Roman women. Mothers, Daughters, and the Cornerstone of Family: This book delves into the complexities of Roman motherhood, highlighting the crucial role women played in raising the next generation and shaping Roman society's future. Priestesses, Leaders, and Public Figures: Go beyond the stereotype of women solely confined to the private sphere. Explore the fascinating world of Vestal Virgins and priestesses who held positions of significant religious authority. We'll also examine how some women, particularly those of high social standing, exerted political influence through their connections. A Legacy Beyond the Ancient World: Enduring Influences on Western Civilization: The impact of Roman women extends far beyond their time. Their roles in business, education, and even fashion continue to resonate throughout history, shaping the trajectory of Western civilization. More Than Just a Chapter in History: This book is more than just a historical account. It's a call to further explore the rich tapestry of women's experiences in the Roman world. By delving deeper into the lives of women from different social classes and ethnicities, we can challenge stereotypes and gain a richer understanding of this fascinating period. Embark on this captivating journey and discover the remarkable stories of Roman women – the mothers, daughters, leaders, and changemakers who left an indelible mark on their society and continue to inspire us today.




The 'cursus laborum' of Roman Women


Book Description

This book assesses a narrow but vital – and so far understudied – part of Roman women's lives: puberty, preparation for pregnancy, pregnancy and childbirth. Bringing together for the first time the material and textual sources for this key life stage, it describes the scientific, educational, medical and emotional aspects of the journey towards motherhood. The first half of the book considers the situation a Roman girl would find herself in when it came to preparing for children. Sources document the elementary sexual education offered at the time, and society's knowledge of reproductive health. We see how Roman women had recourse to medical advice, but also turned to religion and magic in their preparations for childbirth. The second half of the book follows the different stages of pregnancy and labour. As well as the often-documented examples of joyous expectation and realisation of progeny, there are also family tragedies - young girls dying prematurely, stillbirth, death in childbirth, and death during confinement. Finally, the book considers the social change that childbirth wrought on the mother, not just the new baby – in many ways it was also a mother who was in the process of being conceived and brought into the world.