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.

Answer 1

The author claims that the position of Roman women differed from Greek women. In Ancient Greek society, women were severely lacking in political and social rights due to segregation laws and societal beliefs. Women were not considered to be full citizens and lived under the head of household male (master) as a daughter, wife, sister, etc. to the man of the house. Women were often excluded from legal situations- even if they were involved due to a will or dowry. It was up to the male caregiver to handle these matters.

This outlook was slightly different in Ancient Rome where women had citizenship. Roman women from wealthy and influential families held influence and were often able to affect history and society.

Women in Rome had little to no difference to men in legal matters and the household was considered as a collective- not just the male head as in Greece.