Read the quote about women in Roman society.

Question

“[T]he 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.

(4 points)..

Answer 1

The author’s claim that the position of Roman women was different from that of Greek women is supported by several key aspects of their roles and societal structures in the two cultures:

1. Legal Status: Roman women had more legal rights compared to their Greek counterparts. While Greek women were often under the guardianship of male relatives and had limited legal agency, Roman women, especially during the late Republic, could own property, inherit, and manage financial affairs. For example, women like Fulvia, the wife of Mark Antony, were known to engage in business ventures and had significant wealth.

2. Household Authority: The Roman matron was indeed considered the mistress of the household, as highlighted in the quote. In contrast, Greek women were generally confined to the home and had limited authority within it. In Rome, women were responsible for managing the household, which included the supervision of slaves and ensuring the family's moral and social standing. This authority in domestic matters granted Roman women a certain level of respect in society.

3. Social Position and Influence: Roman women could exert influence in social and political spheres more than Greek women. While Athenian women had very few opportunities to interact publicly, Roman women participated in social events, religious rituals, and even attended public games. They were involved in the education of their children, helping to shape future generations, and could influence their husbands and families, especially in matters of social alliances.

4. Public Life and Engagement: While both societies generally restricted women from formal political roles, Roman women could attend public events and were often prominent in religious life. Vestal Virgins are a notable example; these priestesses had considerable power and respect, diverging from the more sequestered lives of Greek women. The ability of Roman women to appear in public and have a social presence contrasted starkly with the more secluded lifestyle typical of Greek women.

These factors demonstrate that Roman women enjoyed a more defined and powerful role within their society compared to Greek women, supporting James Donaldson's assertion in his quote.