Question
Read the quote about women in Roman society.
“[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.
In the Roman republic, women had more autonomy and authority within their households compared to their Greek counterparts. There are several pieces of evidence that support this claim:
1. Legal Rights: Roman women had more legal rights and protections compared to Greek women. Roman women could own property, engage in business transactions, and even file for divorce. In contrast, Greek women had limited legal rights and were largely confined to the domestic sphere.
2. Familial Relationships: Roman women had more influence and control over familial relationships. They played a significant role in arranging marriages, managing the household finances, and raising children. Greek women, on the other hand, had less say in these matters, with decisions being largely made by male family members.
3. Public Life: Roman women had more opportunities for involvement in public life compared to Greek women. While women in both societies were primarily expected to focus on domestic duties, Roman women could participate in religious ceremonies and public festivities. They also had more visibility and influence in political matters, such as appearing in court to defend or prosecute cases.
4. Education: Roman women had access to education and could be well-versed in literature, poetry, and music. Some Roman women, such as Cornelia, were renowned for their intellectual and cultural contributions. Greek women, on the other hand, had limited access to education and were expected to be primarily focused on domestic skills.
These pieces of evidence demonstrate that the position of Roman women was indeed different from that of Greek women in terms of legal rights, familial relationships, involvement in public life, and access to education. The author's claim about the supremacy of Roman women within their own households aligns with the historical evidence.