Roman Sources

Question 1

Explain how women would benefit if Valerius’ ‘motion’ Source 173

Answer 1

repeal of Oppian Law
law passed during war with Hannibal
which limited gold women
could wear (to half ounce) [1]
prohibited them from wearing purple / multi-coloured dresses
[forbade riding in carriage in / within 1 mile of Rome (unless at religious festival)

Question 2

What had the women done which Cato described as ‘womanish rebellion’ (Source 173)

Answer 2

disobeyed husbands [1] have left home [1] blocked streets [1] and entrance to
Forum [1] lobbied men coming into Forum [1]

Question 3

How far was Valerius’ attitude towards women different from Cato’s? Source 173

Answer 3

Cato: outraged by women’s public protest; thinks women should not conduct any
business without guardian in accordance with tradition and should not meddle in public
affairs; fears that once women given a little freedom will run out of control and seek to
dominate;
Valerius: apparently less chauvinistic / misogynistic, more modern by western standards
and sympathetic – lists occasions (Sabines, Coriolanus, Gauls, Idaean Mother, Hannibal
– all crises) when women have intervened for Rome’s benefit and shown strength,
initiative, determination; argues women deserve fruits of victory as much as men, should
not be criticised for intervening in matters which affect them, terms of Oppian Law unjust
in comparison with rights of Latin allies’ wives