The life of Roman women was not an easy affair, as in most other ancient societies (and even some contemporary ones), for that matter. Roman society was patriarchal, with women being excluded from public life, meaning that they could not have any political and legal power (at least not formally). Mostly for that reason, we do not have much information on women's lives in ancient Rome, as almost no one wrote about them. To make matters worse, most of them were not even taught how to write, so they could not tell their stories either.
However, by the 1st century AD, they had much more freedom to manage their own business and financial affairs. Depending on their wealth and social status, women could own property, inherit from family members, and engage in business transactions. Some women were even independent business owners, such as lamp makers, midwives, hairdressers, or even doctors, although this was really rare.
However, regardless of how little freedom they had and how politically unimportant the women in ancient Rome were, some of them did manage to leave an exquisite mark in history, proving, once again that exceptional women did fight for their place in the world, no matter how hard that fight proved to be from time to time.
Livia Drusilla
Livia Drusilla, the wife of Emperor Augustus, was a very controversial figure, with a reputation of a murderer of her own family members and characterized by historian Tacitus as „a blight upon the nation as a mother, a blight upon the house of Caesar as a stepmother“. However, regardless of these allegations, it cannot be denied that she had a very significant influence on Roman politics, not only during the reign of her husband, to whom she was an influential advisor but also after his death. The best proof of it is the fact that the Roman Senate wanted to give her the unprecedented title Mater Patriae (the Mother of the Fatherland), which was in the end vetoed by her son, Tiberius.
Besides her strong personality and political influence, Livia was loved by the Roman people and known for her intelligence and education. She was well-read and knowledgeable about a variety of subjects, including politics, philosophy, and history. Moreover, she was also a patron of the arts and literature, and supported many artists and writers during her lifetime. She was known for her generosity and her appreciation of culture and learning.
Cornelia Africana
Another remarkable woman with an important, although the also indirect political role was Cornelia Africana, the daughter of Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus, a Roman general famous for his part in the second Punic war. Although she gave birth to twelve children, she somehow found the time to engage in liberal arts and be remarkably well-educated. After the death of her husband, she dedicated herself to raising and educating her children, two of which will grow to have significant roles in Roman politics.
Although it is known that she was proud of her sons, the Gracchi brothers, who fought, and finally lost their lives for the plebeians, the lower class of the Roman people, it cannot be said to what extent she was involved in their political activities. However, what cannot be denied is the exquisite education provided to them by their mother, who was also a patron of the arts and literature, and known for her support for artists and writers, the same as Livia. Cornelia was also loved by the Roman people, who voted for a statue in her honor after her death.
Agrippina the Younger
If you thought Livia Drusilla was the most controversial woman of ancient Rome, think again. Agrippina the Younger was married to Emperor Claudius, with whom she had a son Nero (yes, the one blamed for setting Rome on fire). She was also a very influential figure during her husband’s reign and had a reputation as a manipulator aimed at achieving her goals no matter what. Agrippina was even said to have poisoned Claudius so her son could become emperor, and this was not the only murder she was accused of.
However, despite all the controversy, it has to be admitted that she was remarkably influential for a woman, and such a fascinating figure, that she has been the subject of many literary and artworks. As nothing is black and white, Agrippina was also significant for undeniably good things. She was responsible for several building projects during her lifetime, including constructing a new port at Ostia and completing the Claudian aqueduct.
Hypatia
Hypatia was not a Roman herself, but she did live in Alexandria, which formed part of the Roman Empire. Tragically murdered in 415 by a mob of Christian zealots for “spreading pagan ideas and corrupting the youth” (sounds familiar?), she was an astonishing figure in ancient Greek and Roman history. As a daughter of the mathermatician Theon of Alexandria, Hypatia was well-known for her contributions to philosophy, mathematics, and astronomy. She was particularly interested in Plato and Aristotle, and her lectures and writings helped to shape the philosophical discourse of her time.
However, even though she was very accomplished, Hypatia was very controversial, as she openly rejected traditional Christian beliefs and was very outspoken and intellectually independent, which all led to her brutal death. Her achievements in a male-dominated field are a testament to her intelligence, determination, and courage. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of intellectual freedom, and the many obstacles that women have had to overcome throughout history in order to pursue their passions and interests.
Women like Livia Drusilla, Cornelia Africana, Agrippina the Younger, and Hypatia all left their marks on history, proving that women were capable of achieving greatness despite the obstacles in their way. These women were intelligent, educated, and accomplished, and their stories serve as a reminder of the many obstacles that women have had to overcome throughout history.
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