It was far from uncommon to see cultures adopting gods and religious practices from their neighbors. The Romans borrowed many of the Greek gods and looked at Greek classical literature with fondness and devotion. While this was common practice, it was not all that common to see one specific deity travel between many different groups … More Isis, Her Temple, and Her Place in Roman Society
The name Nike, used to be known as something other than just a shoe brand, during the Hellenistic period, Nike was the Greek Goddess of Victory. But, the winged goddess was more than just her symbolism. Believed to be the daughter of a titan, she fought for the gods in the Titanomachy and earned her … More The Goddess of Victory
Introduction The Roman Empire at its peak extended across 5 million square kilometers, encompassing regions in northern Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and central Asia. In order to hold control over conquered regions, the Romans built military forts, both permanent and temporary, to enforce their sovereignty. One of the regions populated with military forts was … More Women at Vindolanda
An overview of the violence that women faced in ancient Rome, including domestic violence, sexual violence, and violence against slaves and non-citizens. … More Violence Against Women in Ancient Rome
Introduction Although most Romans shared a similar pantheon, throughout the Roman Empire there were many different cults and religious groups that focused their attention on a specific deity or deities. One of these cults was the Cult of Diana in Nemi, Italy. They focused their attention on the goddess Diana Nemorensis, who was the goddess … More The Cult of Diana at Nemi, Italy
Centuries of inequality stemming from gender imbalances have stalled progress in contemporary life. Though women are no longer confined to their roles as traditional housewives, they are subjected to a different, less obvious, form of social control. Our modern concept of beauty oppresses women by insisting that they meet a forever-fluctuating ideal that is completely … More Beauty, Imagery, and Patriarchy
Ancient Rome, an utterly patriarchal society that fiend for combat and war, incorporated few women into their government or regime. Historians have speculated that some Roman women acted as a political counsel to their husbands, but this was mostly done behind closed doors. In the past fifty years, women of ancient Rome have fascinated many … More The Portrayal of Roman Women in Modern Media
Introduction Antigone is an extremely well known and popular figure in Greek mythology. As a strong woman who speaks out against what she feels is wrong, she resonates with many people. The Greek tragedy Antigone written by Sophocles in 441 BC tells her story fighting against Creon. Both Antigone and Creon’s actions are motivated by … More Complexity of Antigone versus Creon
Gaia/Terra, Mother Earth According to the Greeks, Gaia was the first deity to come into existence and created the conditions that allow human life. She is seen as a mother figure and a force to be reckoned with. Gaia is her own source of life; she even independently creates her own mate. Her importance is … More Goddess of the Earth: Gaia
Trigger Warning: This article contains mentions suicide and paintings of nudity. “Come to me now – release me from these troubles, everything my heart longs to have fulfilled, fulfill, and you be my ally.” (Sappho fr. 1 “Ode to Aphrodite”, D. Rayor & A. Lardinois trans.) WHO WAS SAPPHO? Sappho. A woman who needs no … More Sappho– the “Tenth Muse”
Women in Antiquity 