Question

Read the quote about women in Roman society.

The position of the Roman matron was quite different from that of the Greek matron in the time of Pericles. The Roman matron was mistress in her own household. As the husband took charge of all external transactions, so the wife was supreme in household arrangements. -James Donaldson, Woman; Her position and influence in Ancient Greece and Rome.

Based on your knowledge of the role of women in the Roman republic, provide evidence to prove the author’s claim that the position of Roman women was different from that of Greek women.

Answer 1

Evidence to prove the author’s claim includes the fact that Roman women had the right to own and manage property, while Greek women did not. Roman women also had the right to make legal contracts, while Greek women did not. Additionally, Roman women had the right to initiate divorce proceedings, while Greek women did not. Finally, Roman women had the right to inherit property, while Greek women did not.