Introduction  During the 1st century BCE, the world was dominated by male rulers. Most societies, such as Greece and Rome, were patriarchies; family units were centered around a male, and the political rulers were almost always men. Women were not granted the same civil and political rights as their male counterparts, so they had very … More Cleopatra VII and Dido: The Egyptian Queen as the Basis for Virgil’s Dido

Dowry Certain features of Roman marriage could potentially put women in a position of power. One especially strong example of this is the dowry, which is property (such as land or slaves) or money brought by a bride to her new family from her originating family as a result of the marriage. The dowry could … More Dowry, Divorce, and Separation in Rome

“[A] woman who has not given birth… dies in the sixth month because the menses fail to appear.” Hippocrates, Diseases of Women I (Portrait of Hippocrates from Linden, Magni Hippocratis…1665, 2014). Overview Having been viewed as wives and mothers, with their ability to bear children and maintain the paternal lineage a predominant part of their … More Women’s Health and Religious Healing

*Trigger warning: This article discusses abortion and its methods* The practice of abortion and contraception can be considered a ‘hot topic’ in many situations, and it is possible that this is the reason why it is not often discussed in the mainstream histories of ancient and classical Greece and in republican and imperial Rome. However, … More Abortion & Contraception

In this essay I will be discussing the life and legacy of Julia Felix. This includes her origins, her property, her many businesses, the landscape and amenities of her grounds, and her reputation during her lifetime. Julia Felix was a prominent businesswoman in Pompeii. She owned the House of Julia Felix, a collection of housing, … More The House of Julia Felix