men + women in ancient rome Flashcards
SENECA + OVID
What was the defining concept for Roman men?
Virtus (courage)
What was expected of a Roman man?
Active in politics of the cities + territories
What did Roman men have to climb?
Cursus honorum - political office
Began w serving in military
What was crucial for Roman men?
Public speaking - win votes in elections; plead legal causes; command soldiers
What was at the centre for Roman women?
Pudicitia (chastity)
Expected to be virgins + only sleep w their husbands
What were tough women?
Child-bearers
Running household + managing business interests
What were statues of Roman women? What’s an example?
Clothed but w thin stolae (dress)
Statue of Livia; wife of Augustus
What did a roman household come under legal power of?
Paterfamilia (male head of household)
Who said women lacked individual names; were referred to by their family name w a feminine ending?
Finley
What were men under legal control of?
Their father, until their father’s died then they became head
What happened in a man died w no male heirs for the paterfamilia?
His wife would take a similar role + have male relatives to advise her
What happened in case of a divorce?
Woman would loose the children unless she could prove her husband was unfit to rear them
What couldn’t women do civically?
Vote, hold public office or serve in military
But wives of important Roman generals accompanied them to campaigns
How were women allowed to become business women?
A large amount of Roman wealth was generated through ownership + management of property
What was a woman’s legal position?
Relied on importance of citizenship + duty
Free born women were counted as citizens + enjoyed all legal rights
