Download WOMEN IN ANCIENT ROME

WOMEN IN ANCIENT ROME
I.
INTRODUCTION TO WOMEN IN ANCIENT ROMAN CULTURE
A.
GENERAL REMARKS
1.
AS ROME DEVELOPED FROM SMALL CITY -STATE TO
REPUBLIC
2.
& THEN TO EMPIRE
3.
STATUS OF WOMEN CHANGED AS LAWS CHANGED
4.
BUT AT NO TIME RESTRICTED AS ATHENIAN WOMEN DURING
CLASSICAL PERIOD
5.
ROMAN WOMEN ALLOWED TO MOVE ABOUT FREELY
6.
THEY JOINED THEIR HUSBANDS & OTHER RELATIVES &
GUESTS AT MEALS
7.
WENT TO PUBLIC GATHERINGS
a.
LIKE DURING EMPIRE TO GLADIATORIAL CONTESTS &
OTHER ENTERTAINMENT
8.
BY LAW ROMAN WOMAN'S CONSENT NECESSARY IN
MARRIAGE CHOICE
9.
ROLE OF MARRIED ROMAN MATRON CONSIDERED
ESPECIALLY NB & HONORABLE ONE
10.
AT VARIOUS TIMES WIVES, SISTERS OR MOTHERS OF OFFICE
HOLDERS OR EMPERORS
a.
HAD GREAT INFLUENCE OVER POLITICAL AFFAIRS OF
ROME
11.
NEVERTHELESS ROME DURING ITS 1000 YEAR HISTORY
12.
PATRIARCHAL IN ORGANIZATION
13.
LITERATURE, PHILOSOPHY & ARTS DOMINATED BY MEN
14.
ONLY IN AREA OF RELIGION DID SOME ROMAN WOMEN HAVE
POWERFUL PUBLIC ROLES
15.
NOT RELATED TO FAMILY LIFE & PRIVATE POWER
B.
FOUNDING OF ROME
1.
MYTHICAL STORY OF NUMITOR, KING OF LATIUM
2.
AMULIUS WANTED THRONE SO KILLED NUMITOR'S 2 SONS
3.
& REQUIRED NUMITOR'S ONLY DAUGHTER, RHEA SILVIA TO
BECOME VIRGINAL PRIESTESS FOR GODDESS VESTA
4.
BUT RHEA FELL ASLEEP & MARS, OVERWHELMED BY HER
BEAUTY SEDUCED HER
5.
SHE GAVE BIRTH TO TWINS, BUT AMULIUS DEMANDED TWINS
BE DROWNED
6.
BUT INSTEAD THEY PLACED ON RAFT, DRIFTED ASHORE
7.
& LATER SUCKLED BY FEMALE WOLF
8.
TWINS, ROMULUS & REMUS KILLED AMULIUS WHEN THEY
GREW UP
9.
& SET OUT TO BUILD THEMSELVES KINGDOM ON HILLS OF
ROME
10.
IN ORDER TO GET WIVES FOR THEIR NEW KINGDOM,
11.
ROMULUS & REMUS INVITED NEIGHBORING SABINES TO
PARTY
12.
SEIZED SABINE WOMEN & DROVE OFF THEIR HUSBANDS
13.
IN MORNING MARRIED WOMEN
a.
ENTITLED "RAPE OF SABINE WOMEN"
2
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
b.
GREAT RUBENS DEPICTION IN ART
WHEN HUSBANDS EVENTUALLY RETURNED ARMED FOR
BATTLE
WOMEN NOW PREGNANT ASKED FOR PEACE,
a.
SAYING THEY HAD LOST ONE SET OF HUSBANDS &
DIDN'T WANT TO LOSE THEIR NEW HUSBANDS
THUS SABINES JOINED ROMANS OR LATINS
& TOGETHER WITH ETRUSCANS COMPRISED 3 ORIGINAL
TRIBES OF ROME
CITIZENSHIP OF ROME RESTRICTED TO MALES 15 YRS OR
OLDER WHO WERE NOT SLAVES OR ALIENS
& WHO WERE DESCENDENT OR HAD BEEN ADOPTED INTO 1 OF
3 ORIGINAL TRIBES
POPULATION DIVIDED INTO 3 MAJOR GROUPS
a.
PATRICIANS FROM DESCENDANTS OF ROMAN CITIZENS
b.
PLEBEIANS FREEMEN HAD NO POLITICAL POWER IN
EARLY YEARS
c.
SLAVES
UNDER SUCCESSION OF KINGS 753-509 B.C.
ROME BUILT GREAT STATE & SET STAGE FOR FUTURE
NEXT ROME BECAME REPUBLIC FROM 509-27 B.C. WHEN
DEPOSED LAST KING TARQUIN
DURING REPUBLIC STRUGGLE BETWEEN PATRICIANS &
PLEBEIANS
ENDING WITH PLEBEIANS BEING GIVEN RIGHT TO VOTE
PLEBEIANS ALSO REQUESTED WRITTEN LAW WHICH
RESULTED IN FAMOUS LAW OF TWELVE TABLES
a.
WRITTEN IN 449 B.C.
b.
LATER ON PLEBEIANS ALLOWED TO MARRY
PATRICIANS
ALL DURING REPUBLIC TIME ROME CONQUERED REST OF
ITALIAN PENINSULA, THEN WENT ON TO EXPAND ITS EMPIRE
AROUND MEDITERRANEAN SEA
& FINALLY INTO GAUL OR EUROPE & MIDDLE EAST
AS MORE MONEY NEEDED TO MAINTAIN TREMENDOUS
MILITARY MACHINERY
TAXATION INCREASED
& FEW GETTING RICH & POOR GETTING POORER
ROMAN CIRCUS SET UP PARTLY TO AMUSE RICH
& PARTLY TO DISTRACT DISCONTENTED POOR
ROME'S BOUNDARIES EVENTUALLY GREW BEYOND ITS
ABILITY TO RULE FROM DISTANCE
DISCORD OVER POWER-CONTROL OF ROME ERUPTED INTO
SEVERAL CIVIL WARS
ESPECIALLY AFTER INAUGURATION OF ROMAN EMPIRE
WHICH OFFICIALLY DATES FROM 27 B.C.-476 A.D.
4TH & LAST CIVIL WAR FOUGHT BETWEEN OCTAVIAN,
CAESAR'S NEPHEW & MARK ANTONY
AFTER ANTONY GAVE ROMAN PROVINCES IN EGYPT TO
CLEOPATRA'S CHILDREN
3
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
II.
ANTHONY REMOVED AS COMMANDER OF EASTERN FORCES
& DEFEATED BY OCTAVIAN
THEN HE & CLEOPATRA COMMITTED SUICIDE
AS SAME TIME AS EMPIRE EXPANDING
NEW RELIGION OF CHRISTIANITY TAKING HOLD
REPUBLIC PERIOD
A.
GENERAL REMARKS RE WOMEN
1.
WHILE MEN IN ROMAN SOCIETY HAD BOTH PUBLIC & PRIVATE
IDENTITY
2.
WOMEN ONLY HAD PRIVATE LIFE
a.
SHE WAS SOMEBODY'S DAUGHTER
b.
SOMEBODY'S WIFE
c.
SOMEBODY'S MOTHER
3.
WOMEN PRAISED ONLY FOR THEIR PERFORMANCES IN THESE
ROLES
4.
CONSPICUOUS BEHAVIOR IN ANY OTHER ROLE BROUGHT
NOTORIETY RATHER THAN PRAISE
5.
IN EVERY ASPECT OF THEIR LIVES WOMEN EXPECTED TO
DEFER TO MEN
6.
FATHER - PATERFAMILIAS
a.
HAD ABSOLUTE CONTROL OF HIS FAMILY & WIFE
7.
IF WOMAN'S FATHER DIED, SHE ENTRUSTED TO CARE OF
GUARDIAN
8.
EVEN IN HER ROLE AS CHILD BEARER & CHILD REARER
9.
WOMAN'S LIFE CONTROLLED BY MEN
10.
AN INFANT COULD BE EXPOSED W/O CONSENT OF WOMAN
WHO HAD JUST GIVEN IT BIRTH
11.
MOTHER WOULD LOSE HER CHILDREN IF SHE WERE
DIVORCED
12.
PATERFAMILIAS' POWER RELATING TO HIS WIFE
a.
HE COULD LEGALLY KILLS HIS WIFE FOR ADULTERY
b.
OR DIVORCE HER AT WILL
c.
WHEN WOMAN MARRIED HER FATHER'S AUTHORITY
OVER HER PASSED COMPLETELY TO HER HUSBAND
d.
SHE WAS THEN CONSIDERED INFELIAE LOCO
(1)
A CHILD IN THE FAMILY
B.
WOMEN AND EDUCATION
1.
FEMININE INSTRUCTION RESTED ON 3 FUNDAMENTALS:
a.
STUDY OF CLASSICS
b.
NEEDLEWORK
c.
ART OF PLEASING
2.
GREEK TAUGHT AT SAME TIME AS LATIN
3.
IT WAS GOOD FORM TO SPEAK LATIN SPICED WITH GREEK
WORDS
4.
ROMAN WOMEN EXPECTED TO HAVE ENOUGH EDUCATION TO
APPRECIATE THEIR HUSBANDS' WORK, WIT, WRITING &
OPINIONS
5.
AN INTELLIGENT & TALENTED WOMAN HAD TO BE CAREFUL
NOT TO APPEAR MORE CLEVER THAN MEN AROUND HER
4
6.
C.
D.
E.
GENERALLY WOMEN EXPECTED NOT TO EXPRESS OPINIONS
OF THEIR OWN IN MIXED COMPANY
LIFE EXPECTANCY OF WOMEN
1.
WHILE SOME FEMALES DIED OF EXPOSURE IMMEDIATELY
AFTER BIRTH
2.
SOME LIVED TO BE 80
3.
BUT MOST WOMEN MARRIED AT YOUNG AGE, RAISED
FAMILIES & DIED BEFORE REACHING MIDDLE AGE
4.
WOMAN'S LIFE PASSED RAPIDLY
5.
SHE MIGHT WELL BE GRANDMOTHER AT 30
6.
EPITAPH FOR ROMAN WOMEN
7.
HERE I LIE, A MATRON NAMED VETURIA. MY FATHER WAS
VETURIUS. MY HUSBAND WAS FORTUNATUS. I LIVED FOR 27
YEARS, & I WAS MARRIED FOR 16 YEARS TO THE SAME MAN.
AFTER I GAVE BIRTH TO 6 CHILDREN, ONLY ONE OF WHOM IS
STILL ALIVE, I DIED. TITUS JULIUS FORTUNATUS, A SOLDIER
OF AUXILIARY LEGION II, PROVIDED THIS MEMORIAL FOR HIS
WIFE, WHO WAS INCOMPARABLE & SHOWED OUTSTANDING
DEVOTION TO HIM.
3 TYPES OF MARRIAGE
1.
DURING MOST OF REPUBLIC
a.
ROME HAD 3 FORMS OF MARRIAGE
2.
FATHER'S POWER OVER DAUGHTER PASSED TO HUSBAND
a.
FROM MANUS OR HAND OF HER FATHER
b.
TO MANUS OF HER HUSBAND
3.
COEMPTION
a.
FORM LEFT OVER FROM EARLIER TIMES
b.
WHEN BRIDES OFTEN PURCHASED
c.
IN THIS FORM MAKE-BELIEVE SALE OF BRIDE TO
GROOM FOR 3 COPPER COINS PAID TO BRIDE'S FATHER
OR GUARDIAN
4.
USUS
a.
USUS EARLY PLEBEIAN MARRIAGE
b.
PROBABLY INVOLVED SIMPLE DECLARATION THAT
COUPLE INTENDED TO BE HUSBAND & WIFE
c.
IF COUPLE LIVED TOGETHER EVERY DAY FOR 1 YEAR
d.
HUSBAND GAINED MANUS OVER HIS WIFE
5.
CONFARREATIO
a.
PROBABLY APPLIED ONLY TO PATRICIANS
b.
CONFARREATIO LONG FORMAL & COLORFUL
CEREMONY
c.
INVOLVING SACRIFICES OF SHEEP OR PIG
d.
SPELT BREAD
e.
FRUITS, SALT CAKE
f.
IN PRESENCE OF 2 PRIESTS & 10 WITNESSES
REST OF MARRIAGE STORY
1.
BY 200 B.C. THESE 3 FORMS MARRIAGE DYING OUT
2.
FREE MARRIAGE (W/O MANUS) BECAME COMMON PRACTICE
3.
IN THIS MARRIAGE YOUNG GIRL MARRIED AFTER SIGNS HAD
BEEN READ BY FAMILY MALE PRIEST
5
4.
F.
BUT FATHER OF BRIDE CONTINUED TO HAVE GUARDIANSHIP
OVER HIS DAUGHTER AFTER HER MARRIAGE
5.
HAPPENED DURING TIME WHEN ROMANS BECAME WEALTHY
AFTER PUNIC WARS
6.
& IF MANUS TRANSFERRED TO HUSBAND
7.
THEN HER DOWRY & ANY PROPERTY COULD GO TO HUSBAND
8.
& NOT BE KEPT WITHIN HER BIRTH FAMILY
9.
LEGAL AGE FOR MARRIAGE - GIRLS - 12
10.
LEGAL AGE FOR MARRIAGE - BOYS 14
11.
BUT GENERALLY HUSBAND IN 30'S
12.
CHRISTIANS WILL USE 12 & 14 AS AGE WHEN MARRIAGES
COULD BE CONSUMMATED
13.
AS BOYS & GIRLS BETROTHED IN THEIR CRADLE
14.
ROMAN LAW DEFINED PURPOSE OF MARRIAGE AS
PROCREATION
a.
CHRISTIANS WILL CONTINUE THIS PRACTICE
WEDDING CUSTOMS
1.
AS JUNO, GODDESS OF LOVE & MARRIAGE HONORED WITH
FESTIVALS & CELEBRATIONS IN JUNE
2.
JUNE BRIDES EXPECTED HAPPINESS & PROSPERITY
3.
SO POPULAR MONTH FOR WEDDINGS FROM DAYS OF ROMANS
4.
BEGINNING WITH ANCIENT EGYPTIANS & MOVING THROUGH
ROMANS
5.
IDEA THAT VEIN OF THIRD FINGER OF LEFT HAND RAN
DIRECTLY TO HEART
a.
REASON FOR WEARING WEDDING RING ON THAT
FINGER
6.
BRIDAL VEIL ORIGINATED IN ANCIENT GREECE & ROME
a.
SYMBOLIZED YOUTH & VIRGINITY
b.
BUT FLAME RED
c.
EARLY CHRISTIANS CHOSE WHITE OR PURPLE
7.
WHITE WEDDING DRESS FOR ROMANS
8.
BUT DURING MIDDLE AGES COLORED ONE
a.
NOT UNTIL 19TH C. AGAIN WHITE TRADITIONAL COLOR
FOR BRIDES
9.
BRIDAL BOUQUET ORIGINATED WITH ANCIENT ROMANS
10.
THEIR CUSTOM TO LIGHT FIRST LAMP IN COUPLE'S NEW HOME
WITH TORCH
11.
THEN TOSS TORCH TO WEDDING PARTY
a.
IN 14TH C. FRENCH SUBSTITUTED BOUQUET FOR TORCH
b.
& ADDED WHOEVER CAUGHT BOUQUET WOULD BE
WED NEXT
12.
EARLY ROMAN BRIDES CARRIED BOUQUETS OF GARLIC,
CHIVES & OTHER STRONG HERBS
a.
TO SYMBOLIZE FERTILITY
b.
& TO DRIVE AWAY EVIL SPIRITS
13.
LATER SMALL STALKS OF GRAIN & LEAVES ALSO CARRIED
14.
WEDDING CAKE HAS BEEN PART OF WEDDING CELEBRATION
SINCE EARLY ROMANS BROKE THIN LOAF OVER BRIDE'S HEAD
AT END OF CEREMONY
6
15.
16.
G.
H.
LOAF MADE FROM WHEAT SYMBOLIZED FERTILITY
CRUMBS EATEN BY WEDDING GUESTS BELIEVING THEY
BROUGHT GOOD LUCK
17.
WHILE CUSTOM OF THROWING RICE AT NEWLYWEDS COMES
FROM ORIENT
18.
WHERE RICE SYMBOLIZES FERTILITY
19.
ANCIENT GREEKS & ROMANS TOSSED KERNELS OF GRAIN OR
WALNUTS TO WISH THEM LUCK & PROSPERITY
20.
GODDESS VESTA, NOT ONLY RULER OF HEARTH &
THRESHOLD
21.
BUT OVER VIRGINS
22.
SO SHE PROTECTED THEM
23.
& IT WAS CONSIDERED BAD LUCK FOR NEW BRIDE TO
STUMBLE OR TRIP AS SHE ENTERED HER NEW HOME
24.
SO HER HUSBAND CARRIED HER OVER THRESHOLD
DOWRY SYSTEM
1.
UPPER CLASS BRIDE HAD TO HAVE DOWRY & TROUSSEAU
2.
USUALLY 10 MONTHS ALLOWED FOR PROVIDING TROUSSEAU
3.
DOWRY PAID IN 3 ANNUAL INSTALLMENTS
4.
SOMETIMES FATHER HAD DIFFICULTY MAKING PAYMENTS
5.
WHEN CICERO'S DAUGHTER TULLIA
6.
MARRIED FOR 3RD TIME
7.
CICERO HAD SUCH DIFFICULTY MEETING LAST PAYMENT HE
CONSIDERED ARRANGING DIVORCE FOR HER TO AVOID
PAYING
DIVORCE
1.
ALTHOUGH DIVORCE WAS UNCOMMON IN EARLY PERIOD OF
ROMAN HISTORY
2.
IT WAS PERMISSIBLE ON SPECIFIC GROUNDS
3.
ALL OF WHICH INVOLVED AN OFFENCE COMMITTED BY ONE
OF PARTNERS
4.
BUT MORE REASONS HUSBANDS COULD OBTAIN DIVORCE
THAN WIFE
a.
WIFE'S POISON ATTEMPT AGAINST HIM
b.
EXCESSIVE DRINKING BY HIS WIFE
c.
WIFE COUNTERFEITING HOUSEHOLD KEYS
(1)
SOME SCHOLARS FELT TO KEEP WOMAN FROM
LOCKED WINE CELLAR AS WINE-DRINKING
CAPITAL OFFENSE FOR WOMEN
d.
WIFE'S ADULTERY
(1)
IN FACT IF ADULTERY DIVORCE WAS
OBLIGATORY
(2)
OTHERWISE HER HUSBAND WAS CONSIDERED TO
CONDONE THE ACT
(3)
& SO LOST ANY CLAIM TO THE DOWRY
(4)
AS WELL AS MAKING HIMSELF LIABLE TO
PROSECUTION AS HIS WIFE'S PIMP
e.
IN SOME CASES THE JULIAN LAW OF 17 B.C. PERMITTED
FATHER OF AN UNFAITHFUL WIFE TO KILL BOTH THE
WOMAN & HER LOVER
7
f.
g.
I.
J.
BUT PROBABLY NOT OFTEN RESORTED TO BY FATHERS
& THE HUSBAND WAS NOT PERMITTED TO KILL HIS
WIFE, BUT HE MIGHT KILL HER LOVER
h.
BARRENNESS OF WIFE
(1)
WIFE ALWAYS RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS
(2)
EXCEPT IN OBVIOUS CASES MALE IMPOTENCY
5.
DIVORCE NOT AS EASY FOR WIFE BUT POSSIBLE
a.
IF HER HUSBAND DESERTED HER,
b.
IF HE WAS CONVICTED OF CERTAIN CRIMES
c.
OR MADE PRISONER OF WAR
6.
BY 2ND C. B.C. DIVORCE HAD CEASED TO BE A RARE
OCCURRENCE
7.
& BY AUGUSTAN AGE IT HAD BECOME PUBLIC SCANDAL
a.
ESPECIALLY IN UPPER CLASSES
8.
CAESAR & CICERO BOTH DIVORCED TWICE & MARRIED 3
TIMES
9.
SENECA SAYS OF THE WOMEN OF HIS DAY THAT THEY
COUNTED THEIR YEARS NOT BY CONSULS (HIGHEST OFFICIAL
OF ROMAN GOVT) BUT BY THEIR HUSBANDS
10.
CHRISTIAN FATHER TERTULLIAN LIVING IN 2ND & 3RD
CENTURIES AD IS CREDITED W/THE EPIGRAM
a.
DIVORCE WAS NOW LOOKED UPON AS ONE FRUIT OF
MARRIAGE
11.
BY 1ST CENTURY AD DIVORCE NOT ONLY COMMON, BUT
PROCEDURALLY EASY TO OBTAIN
12.
EITHER HUSBAND OR WIFE COULD RENOUNCE THEIR
COMMITMENT TO EACH OTHER
13.
HUSBAND FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR CHILDREN IF
DIVORCE 14.
WHETHER MOTHER GOT CUSTODY OF NOT
a.
CHILD SUPPORT
CONCUBINES
1.
LIKE COMMON LAW RELATIONSHIP TODAY
2.
ROMAN COULD LEGALLY HAVE A CONCUBINE BUT ONLY 1 AT
A TIME
a.
& NOT AT SAME TIME AS HE WAS MARRIED
3.
FROWNED ON FOR A BACHELOR TO KEEP MORE THAN 1
4.
USUALLY ONE HAD A CONCUBINE RELATIONSHIP
W/SOMEONE WHEN A VALID MARRIAGE NOT POSSIBLE
a.
SENATOR & FREED SLAVE
5.
BUT COULD BE WHEN GIRL'S FAMILY NOT UNABLE TO RAISE A
DOWRY
6.
CONCUBINE'S CHILDREN ILLEGITIMATE
a.
NO RIGHTS TO FATHER'S INHERITANCE
EXPLOITATION OF WOMEN
1.
IT IS CLEAR ROMAN WOMEN EXPLOITED MANY DIFFERENT
WAYS
2.
SOME DIRECTLY AS PROSTITUTES & SLAVE-CONCUBINES
3.
OTHERS AS WIVES & MOTHERS
4.
ONE FORM DIRECT EXPLOITATION
8
K.
L.
a.
LEGACY-HUNTING
5.
UNSCRUPULOUS MEN, GREEDY FOR MONEY & PROPERTY
BEFRIENDED ELDERLY UNMARRIED WOMEN OR CHILDLESS
WIDOWS
6.
IN HOPE OF BEING WRITTEN INTO WILL FOR SERVICES
RENDERED
7.
TRICK TO CHOOSE WOMEN AT DEATH'S DOOR THROUGH
DISEASE OR OLD AGE
8.
OLD MEN W/O HEIRS VICTIMS OF THIS RACKET TOO
NAMING OF CHILDREN
1.
DURING REPUBLIC WOMAN HAD ONLY 1 NAME
a.
FAMILY NAME
b.
NO SPECIFIC GIRL NAMES
c.
MASCULINE ENDINGS CHANGED TO FEMALE ENDINGS
2.
IF MORE THAN 1 GIRL
a.
USED ELDER OR YOUNG
b.
OR PRIMA, SECUNDA
3.
BY TIME OF EMPIRE WOMAN HAD 2 NAMES
a.
BUT AGAIN TAKEN FROM FAMILY & FATHER'S NAME
b.
FABIA HONORATA
(1)
DAUGHTER OF FABIUS HONORATUS
c.
AURELIA VICTORINA
(1)
DAUGHTER OF AURELIUS VICTOR
4.
ROMAN BOY HAD 3 NAMES IF CITIZENS
a.
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
(1)
MARCUS = ONE'S OFFICIAL TRIBE
(2)
TULLIS = PERSONAL NAME
(3)
CICERO = ONE'S FAMILY NAME
UNIQUE LAWS & CUSTOMS RELATING TO WOMEN
1.
RESPECTABLE WOMEN NOT SUPPOSED TO USE COSMETICS,
PERFUME OR HAIRPIECES TO SEDUCE THEIR HUSBANDS
a.
AT LEAST DURING REPUBLIC ERA
b.
BUT THIS DID NOT LAST
2.
ACTUALLY BOTH MEN & WOMEN DYED THEIR HAIR
3.
BLACK LIKE BRITONS, BLOND LIKE GERMANS OR RED OR
HENNA
4.
ONE OF OVID'S GIRLFRIENDS HAD UNFORTUNATE
EXPERIENCE WITH HAIR DYE
5.
DIDN'T I TELL YOU TO STOP MESSING AROUND WITH COLOR
OF YOUR HAIR? NOW YOU HAVE NO HAIR LEFT TO DYE. IF
YOU HAD LEFT IT ALONE, WHO HAD THICKER HAIR THAN
YOU? AND WHEN YOU LET IT DOWN, IT USED TO HANG TO
YOUR WAIST. IT WAS VERY FINE- SO FINE THAT YOU
HESITATED TO CURL IT WITH CURLING IRONS...AND IT WAS
EASY TO MANAGE, NATURALLY CURLY, AND DIDN'T CAUSE
YOU ANY TROUBLE.
6.
NOW YOUR HAIR HAS FALLEN OUT, AND YOU ALONE ARE
RESPONSIBLE. YOU YOURSELF MIXED THE POISON AND PUT
IT ON YOUR HEAD.
7.
DURING REPUBLIC MAN COULD DIVORCE HIS WIFE WHO
9
M.
N.
WENT OUT WITHOUT HER HEAD COVERED
8.
VEIL OR HOOD SIGNIFIED RESPECTABLE WOMAN
9.
THIS PRACTICE WILL CONTINUE AT URGING OF PAUL IN
CHRISTIANITY - 1 COR. 11:10
10.
WINE DRINKING BY WOMAN CONSIDERED CAPITAL CRIME
a.
SHE COULD BE CONDEMNED TO DEATH
11.
IT THEREFORE CUSTOM FOR MALE RELATIVES TO KISS
WOMAN TO DETERMINE WHETHER SHE HAD BEEN DRINKING
WINE
12.
IF SHE WAS ACCUSED BY HER HUSBAND HER RELATIVES
COULD BE WITNESSES IN HER DEFENSE
13.
A MAN COULD DRINK WINE WITHOUT PENALTY
WOMEN'S REVOLT AGAINST OPPIAN LAW 195 B.C.
1.
ANCIENT MEDITERRANEAN WORLD USED SUMPTUARY LAWS
TO FORCE ITS CITIZENS TO ECONOMIZE IN LUXURIES
2.
ESPECIALLY IN WARTIME
3.
THESE LAWS USUALLY AFFECTED WOMEN MORE
IMMEDIATELY THAN MEN
4.
SUMPTUARY LAWS MUCH USED BY ALL GOVERNMENTS
DURING
a.
MIDDLE AGES
b.
STILL IN EVIDENCE DURING REFORMATION
c.
& PURITAN COLONIES OF AMERICA
5.
DURING PUNIC WARS BETWEEN ROME & CARTHAGE
6.
TRIBUNE C. OPPIUS INITIATED LAW FORBIDDING ROMAN
WOMEN TO
a.
WEAR THEIR JEWELS
b.
PURPLE OR GOLD EMBROIDERY
(1)
SYMBOLS OF RANK & STATUS
c.
& TO DRIVE IN CARRIAGES IN CITY
7.
AFTER ROMAN DEFEAT OF CARTHAGENIAN LEADER
HANNIBAL IN 202 B.C.
8.
ROMAN WOMEN BECAME INDIGNANT THAT OPPIAN LAW
STILL IN FORCE FOR THEM
9.
WHEREAS THEIR HUSBANDS HAD NOT BEEN SIMILARLY
DEPRIVED
10.
THEY MARCHED ON SENATE EN MASSE IN 195 B.C.
11.
COMPARISON WITH EARLY 20TH C. SUFFRAGETTES IN
ENGLAND
12.
TO DEMONSTRATE PUBLICLY IN STREETS AT TIME OF DEBATE
WHETHER TO REPEAL IT OR NOT
13.
& TO PERSUADE THEIR MENFOLK TO VOTE FOR REPEAL
14.
READ CATO'S SPEECH
15.
HOPING TO PERSUADE SENATORS TO REPEAL LAW
16.
TRIBUNE L. VALERIUS WON REPEAL OF OPPIAN LAW BY
SAYING IN EFFECT
a.
GIVE THE WOMEN THEIR BAUBLES, THESE WILL
SATISFY THEIR TRIVIAL MINDS AND KEEP THEM FROM
INTERFERING IN MORE SERIOUS MATTERS
RAPE & FORNICATION
10
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
III.
FORNICATION WAS CRIME FOR WOMEN
a.
EVEN AUGUSTUS EXILED BOTH HIS DAUGHTER &
GRANDDAUGHTER FOR ILLICIT INTERCOURSE
SOME UPPER-CLASS WOMEN PROTESTED AGAINST THE
CURTAILMENT OF THEIR FREEDOM BY REGISTERING WITH
AEDILES AS PROSTITUTES
a.
MAGISTRATES
THEN LAWS OF STUPRUM OR CRIMINAL FORNICATION WOULD
NOT APPLY TO THEM
RAPE PUNISHMENT SAME AS ANCIENT HITTITES, ETC.
IF GIRL HAD BEEN WILLING, HER PENALTY BEING BURNED TO
DEATH
IF SHE HAD BEEN UNWILLING SHE WAS STILL PUNISHED
ALTHOUGH HER PENALTY LIGHTER
FOR SHE SHOULD HAVE SCREAMED & BROUGHT NEIGHBORS
TO HER ASSISTANCE
CONSTANTINE ALSO SPECIFIED CAPITAL PUNISHMENT FOR
FREE WOMAN WHO HAD INTERCOURSE WITH SALVE
a.
BURNING FOR SLAVE HIMSELF
THIS PENALTY OUTCOME OF PERPETUAL CONCERN THAT
FREE WOMEN WOULD TAKE SAME LIBERTIES WITH SLAVES
AS MEN DID
ROMAN RELIGION
A.
GENERAL REMARKS
1.
OVER THE CENTURIES AS ROME CONQUERED OTHER PEOPLE
2.
ROME INCORPORATED OTHER RELIGIOUS BELIEFS &
PRACTICES
3.
FROM DIVINATION OF ETRUSCANS
a.
FLOCK OF BIRDS - PATTERN
b.
ENTRAILS OF SACRIFICED ANIMALS
4.
GODDESSES OF FATE
5.
OLYMPIAN PANTHEON - BUT NAMES CHANGED
6.
MOST OF THE PRACTICES FROM EARLY REPUBLICAN DAYS
WERE SUPPORTED BY THE STATE
7.
IMPORTED LATER ONES FROM EAST LIKE MITHRACISM FOR
ROMAN SOLDIERS & WORSHIP OF ISIS
8.
AMONG NUMEROUS CULTS DEVELOPED BY ROMANS
9.
WERE THOSE WHICH ENLISTED DIVINE AID TO UPHOLD
IDEALS OF FEMALE CONDUCT
10.
WOMEN RANKED ACCORDING TO CLASS DISTINCTION
BETWEEN PLEBEIANS & PATRICIANS
11.
BY MORAL STANDARD SEGREGATING RESPECTABLE WOMEN
FROM THOSE WHO FOLLOWED DISREPUTABLE PROFESSIONS
12.
AMONG THE VARIOUS CULTS & PRACTICES
a.
PRAYERS UTTERED FOR BEAUTY OF DAUGHTERS WHEN
PASSING TEMPLE OF VENUS
b.
OFFERINGS MADE TO GODDESS OF CHILDBIRTH IN
EVENT OF PREGNANCY
c.
GREAT IMPORTANCE ATTACHED TO OMENS
11
d.
B.
C.
D.
LIVIA WHEN EXPECTING TIBERIUS WANTED TO KNOW
IF SHE WOULD HAVE A SON
e.
SHE TOOK EGG FROM UNDER SITTING HEN & REHEATED
IT UNTIL IT HATCHED
f.
CHICK SPORTED FINE CREST
g.
ANOTHER STORY WHEN LIVIA VISITING HER PROPERTY
IN VEII SOON AFTER HER MARRIAGE TO AUGUSTUS
h.
SAW EAGLE DROP WHITE HEN WHICH CARRIED LAUREL
TWIG IN ITS BEAK
i.
PIOUS LIVIA HAD CHICKEN CARED FOR & PLANTED
TWIG
j.
HEN HAD NUMEROUS PROGENY CAUSING HOUSE TO BE
SURNAMED "OF THE HENS"
k.
AS FOR THE TWIG IT SOON GAVE BIRTH TO A LAUREL
GROVE
l.
LAUREL USED TO CROWN CAESARS AT THEIR
TRIUMPHS
m.
BUT IT WAS NOTICED TREE DIED EACH TIME CAESAR
DIED
n.
WHOLE GROVE DIED WITH NERO
FORTUNA VIRGINALIS OR VIRGO (VIRGIN)
1.
PATRONESS OF YOUNG GIRLS AS THEY CAME OF AGE
2.
ADOLESCENT GIRLS DEDICATED TO THIS GODDESS THEIR
LITTLE TOGAS THEY HAD WORN IN GIRLHOOD
3.
AFTER DEDICATION GIRL DONNED STOLA
a.
DRESS RESPECTABLE MATRON
b.
DISTINGUISHED FROM TOGA-CLAD PROSTITUTE
4.
ANALOGOUS CEREMONIES FOR BOYS INCLUDING DONNING
OF DRESS OF MEN
5.
& DEDICATION OF FIRST BEARD
a.
CLEARLY PUBERTY RITES & NOT CONCERNED
DIRECTLY WITH MARRIAGE
6.
BUT SINCE PUBERTY & MARRIAGE OFTEN CAME AT ABOUT
SAME TIME IN GIRL'S LIFE
7.
DEDICATION OF HER GIRLHOOD CLOTHING MAY HAVE
MARKED BOTH OCCASIONS
FORTUNA PRIMIGENIA = PRAENESTE
1.
UPON HER MARRIAGE BRIDE PASSED TO PROTECTION OF
FORTUNA PRIMIGENIA (FIRSTBORN, PRIMORDIAL OR FIRST TO
SIRE OF PRAENESTE
2.
PATRONESS OF MOTHERS & CHILDBIRTH
3.
MEN INTERESTED ALSO IN HER PROMISE OF VIRILITY,
MATERIAL SUCCESS & ECONOMIC PROSPERITY
4.
ECLECTIC & POLYTHEISTIC NATURE OF ROMAN RELIGION
5.
AS FAR BACK AS 496 B.C. GODDESSES & GODS OF ASIA &
GREECE CAME TO ROME
VESTAL VIRGINS
1.
VESTAL VIRGINS HAD HELD POWERFUL FASCINATION ON
HISTORIANS & NOVELISTS ALIKE
2.
TO INVENT PARALLEL YOU WOULD HAVE TO IMAGINE THAT
12
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
IN WHOLE OF MODERN ITALY THERE WAS ONLY 1 BODY OF
NUNS
& ONLY 6 NUNS AT THAT
& THEN YOU WOULD HAVE TO IMAGINE THEM PERFORMING
THEIR HOLY DUTIES UNDER CAREFUL WATCH OF GOVT OF
ROME
ICONOGRAPHY OF VESTAL VIRGINS GOES WAY BACK
CHIEF VIRGIN
a.
REPRESENTED FOR RELIGIOUS PURPOSES WIFE OF
PRIMITIVE KING
b.
OR DAUGHTERS OF ORIGINAL ROYAL HOUSE
DUTIES
a.
DREW WATER
b.
ENSURED SACRED FIRE NEVER WENT OUT
c.
ATTENDED NUMBER OF RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES OF
STATE
FOOD & NOURISHMENT OF STATE
WHICH SACRED FIRE SYMBOL
DEPENDED FOR ITS MAINTENANCE ON ACCURATE
PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTIES
& ON THEIR REMAINING VIRGINS
BUT CHASTITY DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN THROUGHOUT
APPROXIMATELY 1000 YEARS OF HISTORY OF VESTALS
a.
UNTIL ORDER DISSOLVED IN A.D. 394
VIRGINS CHOSEN BY LOT EVERY 5 YRS.
a.
IN TIME RECRUITED WITH DIFFICULTY
b.
GREAT FAMILIES DID NOT WANT THEIR DAUGHTERS TO
BE VESTAL VIRGINS
CHILD COMMITTED TO 30 YRS OF VIRGINITY
WHEN 40 COULD LEAVE & MARRY
NOT SURPRISINGLY FEW LEFT PRECINCTS
OCCIA, STARTED AS NOVICE IN 38 B.C.
DIED AFTER 57 YRS OF SERVICE
IN A.D. 19 JUNIA TORQUATA VESTAL VIRGIN 64 YRS
PRIVILEGES
a.
TRAVELLED THROUGH ROME IN CARRIAGES AT PUBLIC
FESTIVALS
b.
ATTENDED IN PUBLIC BY LICTOR
c.
DIDN'T NEED TO TAKE OATH WHEN TESTIFYING
d.
COULD ANNUL DEATH SENTENCE OF PRISONER IF
ENCOUNTERED HIM ACCIDENTLY ON WAY TO HIS
EXECUTION
WHEN WIDOW OF AUGUSTUS CONSECRATED, THEY MADE
RESPONSIBLE FOR HER CULT
ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR GUARDING NB DOCUMENTS
a.
WILLS OF LEADING STATESMEN
VESTALS JUDGED GUILTY OF VIOLATING THEIR CHASTITY
a.
CONDEMNED TO BE BURIED ALIVE
b.
THEORY WAS THAT IF VESTAL VIRGIN INNOCENT
c.
VESTA HERSELF WOULD RESCUE HER
13
E.
F.
G.
d.
BUT NONE EVER SAVED
e.
ONLY ABOUT 10 CONDEMNED TO THIS
24.
BUT WHEN ROMANS DEFEAT AT CANNAE 216 B.C.
25.
VESTALS CAME UNDER SUSPICION FOR IT WAS CONCEIVABLE
THAT THEIR MISCONDUCT HAD CONTRIBUTED TO DISASTER
VIRTUE OF WOMEN IN ROME
1.
PROSECUTION OF VESTALS IS SPECIFIC EXAMPLE OF GREEK &
ROMAN THOUGHT CONNECTING VIRTUE OF WOMEN &
WELFARE OF STATE
2.
IF BONA FIDE SECULAR VIRGIN DOOMED TO DEATH BY
STRANGULATION
a.
LIKE YOUNG DAUGHTER OF SEJANUS WHEN SHE
IMPLICATED IN HER FATHER'S SCHEMING
b.
SHE WAS DEBAUCHED BY HER EXECUTIONER WHEN
ROPE ALREADY AROUND HER NECK
c.
BECAUSE IT INAUSPICIOUS TO EXECUTE VIRGIN
3.
CORNELIA
a.
DAUGHTER OF SCIPIO AFRICANUS
(1)
HERO OF FINAL BATTLE AGAINST CARTHAGE
b.
WIFE OF TIBERIUS - ARISTOCRAT
c.
MOTHER OF GRACCHI BROTHERS, TIBERIUS & GAIUS
d.
CORNELIA ALWAYS HELD UP AS EXEMPLARY WOMEN
IN ROMAN HISTORY
SIBYLLINE ORACLES
1.
SIBYLS - WISE PRIESTESSES & PROPHETESSES OF GOD APOLLO
2.
RESPONSIBLE FOR CREATING BOOKS OF DIVINELY INSPIRED
ANSWERS TO WORLDLY QUESTIONS
3.
IN MAJOR CRISES GOVT CONSULTED SIBYLLINE BOOKS FOR
ANSWERS
4.
IT WAS PRIESTS OR AUGERS WHO CONSULTED BOOKS
5.
IT IS NOT KNOWN WHAT BOOKS CONTAINED FOR NONE OF
ORIGINAL 9 SURVIVES
CULT OF CYBELE
1.
GREAT MOTHER GODDESS FROM ASIA
a.
TO ROME VIA ANATOLIA
2.
CYBELE ALWAYS CLOSELY IDENTIFIED WITH GODDESS RHEA
a.
KNOWN AS MOTHER OF ZEUS
3.
GREAT FESTIVALS CELEBRATED AT ROME UNTIL 268 AD
4.
EMBRACED BY SUCH EMPERORS AS
a.
CLAUDIUS & AUGUSTUS
5.
VARIOUS VERSIONS OF DEATH OF ATTIS
a.
RETELL STORY OF DYING SON/LOVER OF CYBELE
b.
SON FIRST TIED TO TREE & THEN BURIED
c.
3 DAYS LATER LIGHT APPEARED IN BURIAL TOMB
d.
& ATTIS ROSE FROM DEAD
e.
BRINGING SALVATION WITH HIM IN HIS REBIRTH
6.
IN TIME OF CRISES ROMANS CALLED ON CYBELE OR ISIS FOR
HELP
7.
E.G. WHEN SIBYLLINE BOOKS FORETOLD THAT HANNIBAL
WAS GOING TO ATTACK ROME IN 205 B.C. BY MARCHING HIS
14
H.
ELEPHANTS OVER ALPS
8.
BUT HE WOULD BE DEFEATED IF MAGNA MATER OR GODDESS
CYBELE BROUGHT FROM ASIA MINOR TO ROME
9.
SENATE NEGOTIATED TO HAVE BLACK METEORIC STONE
BROUGHT TO ROME
a.
STONE SAID TO BE REINCARNATION OF GREAT MOTHER
10.
AFTER CEREMONIES CENTERING AROUND STONE,
11.
HANNIBAL LEFT ITALY
CULT OF ISIS
1.
ONCE ROME CONQUERED NEAR EAST & EGYPT SPREAD OF
ISIS CULT REMARKABLE
a.
VERY PROMINENT IN HELLENISTIC ERA
b.
& BECAME MAIN COMPETITOR FOR CHRISTIANITY
2.
ISIS BECAME MOST WIDELY WORSHIPED GODDESS IN GRECOROMAN WORLD
3.
FOR IT MET BOTH RELIGIOUS RITUAL & EMOTIONAL NEEDS OF
PEOPLE
4.
INITIALLY OFFICIALLY RESISTED BY ROMANS
5.
IN END HAD LARGER SPHERE OF INFLUENCE THAN ANY
OTHER
6.
ISIS PROMISED RESURRECTION TO HER DEVOTEES AFTER
THEIR DEATH
a.
IMMORTALITY
7.
WHO WAS ISIS?
8.
ISIS NATIONAL DIVINITY OF ANCIENT EGYPT DATING BACK
AT LEAST TO 2500 B.C.
9.
CULT OF ISIS CAPABLE OF UNLIMITED FLEXIBILITY
10.
WHERE OTHERS HAD RIGIDLY PRESCRIBED RULES
11.
APPEALED TO BOTH SEXES, BUT PROBABLY MORE TO WOMEN
a.
AS ROMAN ARMY'S MAIN RELIGION MITHRACISM
12.
REGARDLESS IF ISIS REPRESENTED MATRON OF ROMAN
WORLD
a.
OR PROSTITUTE
b.
FOR SUPPOSEDLY ISIS AT ONE TIME PROSTITUTE
HERSELF FOR 10 YRS
13.
ISIS ACCEPTED WOMEN FROM ALL RANKS
14.
IN THESE HELLENISTIC & ROMAN TIMES ISIS' ATTRIBUTES
EXPANDED GREATLY
15.
SHE TOOK ON ATTRIBUTES OF MALE DEITIES AS WELL
a.
SKY GOD- DOMINION OVER LIGHTNING, THUNDER,
WINDS
16.
SHE ALSO CREATOR
a.
FOR SHE DIVIDED EARTH FROM HEAVEN
17.
SHE ASSIGNED LANGUAGES TO NATIONS
18.
SHE INVENTED ALPHABETS & ASTRONOMY
19.
SHE BECAME PATRONESS OF NAVIGATION & COMMERCE
20.
GIVER OF HEALTH, BEAUTY, LOVE, ABUNDANCE, WISDOM
21.
THUS ISIS COULD BE ALL THINGS TO ALL PEOPLE
22.
BUT AT ALL TIMES LOVING & MERCIFUL WIFE & MOTHER
23.
THIS STATUE OF ISIS
15
a.
b.
c.
24.
25.
MARBLE 150-180 A.D. IN BERLIN
MORE EGYPTIAN THAN GREEK=LIKE
ISIS WEARS LONG GARMENT WITH EGYPTIAN STYLE
KNOT AT BREAST
d.
HER HEADDRESS IS SABAZIOS HAND
e.
SHE HOLDS COBRA IN HER RIGHT HAND &
INTERTWINED AROUND HER ARM
f.
SHE CARRIES BASKET IN HER LEFT HAND
g.
HER PRIESTESSES DRESSED AS THE GODDESS HERSELF
DRESSED
h.
AS THEY WALKED IN PROCESSION THEY SHOOK
SISTRUM - VIBRATIONS REPRESENTED ALL WORLD'S
VIBRATIONS, THOSE POWERFUL CREATIVE FORCES
i.
IN HER OTHER HAND WAS CARRIED A MILK PITCHER OR
A MODEL OF A BREAST TO REPRESENT HER NURTURING
POWER
ONE OF BEST LITERARY REPRESENTATIONS OF ISIS
a.
STORY OF SPIRITUAL CONVERSION OF LUCIUS
b.
TOLD BY APULEIUS IN NOVEL THE GOLDEN ASS OR
METAMORPHOSES IN 2ND C A.D.
c.
WHEN MAN SERVES HIS LUSTS HE BECOMES A BRUTE
ANIMAL LIKE LOWLIEST ASS
d.
WHEN MAN TURNS TOWARD SPIRITUALITY
(1)
REPRESENTED BY ISIS, HE ACHIEVES HIS TRULY
HUMAN FORM
PART OF THE RITUAL IN WORSHIP OF ISIS
a.
HER FOLLOWERS SANG TWICE A DAY IN HER HONOR
b.
WENT TO HER TEMPLE TO HAVE THEMSELVES
SPRINKLED WITH NILE WATER
c.
THEY OBSERVED FASTS & PRESCRIPTIONS OF
ABSTINENCE IMPOSED BY PRIESTS
(1)
AMONG THEM CHASTITY FOR CERTAIN
FESTIVALS
(a)
LASTING FROM 10-30 DAYS
(2)
TO TRANSGRESS CONSTITUTED SERIOUS SIN
(3)
BUT FOR GOOD PRICE PRIESTS WOULD
INTERCEDE WITH OSIRIS
(4)
& SACRIFICE OF FAT GOOSE OR THIN CAKE
WOULD APPEASE HIM
d.
BUT SACRIFICE FOR ISIS DID NOT INCLUDE ANIMALS,
BUT MILK, HONEY & HERBS
e.
SACRIFICE FOLLOWED BY SACRED DANCE OR PERHAPS
DRAMA
f.
ONE OF HER SYMBOLS
(1)
SISTRUM
(a)
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT
(b)
THESE 2 SISTRUMS ARE FROM ITALY IN
FIELD MUSEUM AT CHICAGO
(c)
WHILE SISTRUMS ORIGINATED IN
EGYPTIAN CONNECTION WITH WORSHIP OF
16
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
ISIS
(d)
INTRODUCED INTO ROMAN WORLD
DURING 1ST C AS ISIS WORSHIP SPREAD
(e)
SHAPE OF SISTRUM REPRESENTED SACRED
ENCLOSURE
(f)
RATTLES REPRESENTED INTERPLAY OF 4
ELEMENTS
(g)
WHICH ISIS WORSHIPERS BELIEVED
INVOLVED IN WORLD
(h)
RATTLING SOUNDS REPRESENTED
INTERPLAY OF ALCHEMY & VIBRATION
WHICH CONTROL ORGANIZATION OF
WORLD
TIME & AGAIN DECREES PASSED BANNING HER WORSHIP
BUT IT ALWAYS RETURNED
WHEN AUGUSTUS VICTORIOUS OVER ANTONY & CLEOPATRA
& CONQUERED EGYPT
AUGUSTUS FORBADE DEVOTEES OF ISIS WITHIN CITY
MEANWHILE TEMPLE OF ISIS BUILT ON CAMPUS MARTIUS
TIBERIUS HAD IT DEMOLISHED 19 A.D.
& HAD IMAGE OF GODDESS CAST INTO RIVER
& FORBADE PRACTICE OF CULT TO ROMAN CITIZENS
BUT NOTHING CAME OF THIS
PERSECUTION CEASED WITH CALIGULA
IMPERIAL FAMILY CHIEF AMONG THOSE FAITHFUL TO ISIS
BY AD 200 ISIS TEMPLES HAD SPREAD FROM ROME TO
a.
FRANCE, HOLLAND & ENGLAND
ICONOGRAPHY OF HER WITH INFANT HORUS
IS CARRIED FORTH INTO CHRISTIANITY WITH VIRGIN MARY &
JESUS