Women in Home 1.3 - Roman Women Flashcards
What were the key responsibilities of a Roman Matrona? Why were they important?
Producing heirs - carried on family name, Raising children - adds to wealth and reputation on household, oversee the running of the household - adds to reputation of household, organising dinner parties.
How would wealthier Matronae spend their leisure time?
Read books, visit friends, keep up with politics, attend public games, festivals and theatre.
What legal restrictions did Roman women face?
Could not make a will, or sell property, free a slave or bring a lawsuit to court.
Which legal rights did a Roman woman possess?
Could own land and property, could be named heiress of a will, some also for management and property.
What happened when a Roman couple divorced?
Declare the marriage was over, woman returned to original patterfamilias and the man could keep custody of any children born during the marriage
What if a man/woman initiated the divorce?
Man - woman was entitled to have the entire dowry back.
Woman - man could claim portion of the dowry for each child in marriage, man gets custody of the children.
What happened if a man/woman committed adultry?
Man - nothing unless its with an unmarried daughter of another Roman citizen.
Woman - Divorced, forfeit portion of dowry and if with a slave woman would be killed and slave would be burned alive.
What were the most common reasons for divorces in Rome?
Adultry, Infertility, Business & Political reasons
How did you become a female slave in Rome?
Taken captive by pirates, Born into slavery, sold into slavery, convicted criminals also became slaves.
What different roles were there for Roman slaves?
Prostitution, master’s business work, providing skilled labour, worked in homes of Roman masters as domestic slaves.
What were the advantages and disadvantages to being a female slave in Rome?
Child female slaves often given education alongside the children of family, being a Vilica, might get paid wages ( depending on temperament of their master) and avoided hard labour. But might have a horrible master and be treated badly.
Why was the Vilica the most respected Roman female slave?
Because she was responsible for managing the household, and was treated equivalently to a wife of a peasant farmer, they also had reasonable amount of authority.
What factors might affect how well a Roman female slave was treated?
The temperament of her master.
