Sources & Evidence
Name one type of archaeological evidence that can provide information about women in the ancient world.
Pottery, statues, funerary monuments, inscriptions, frescoes, mosaics, coins, houses and household objects.
What was one of the most important expected roles of women in both Greek and Roman societies?
Marriage, motherhood and the production and raising of legitimate children.
What major economic activity was traditionally associated with respectable Athenian women?
Textiles, food preparation and supervising domestic activities.
True or False: Women were completely excluded from religious activities in Ancient Greece.
False
Who was Sappho?
A famous Archaic Greek poet from Lesbos whose poetry provides important evidence about women's experiences, relationships and perspectives.
Why is it difficult for historians to determine what women themselves thought about their lives in Ancient Greece and Rome?
Much of the surviving written evidence was produced by men, particularly elite men, meaning women's own voices are underrepresented.
What was the kyrios in Classical Athens?
The male guardian responsible for an Athenian woman, such as her father, husband or another male relative.
Name two examples of economic activity undertaken by Roman women.
Examples include textile production, trade, business, property ownership, managing estates or working in various occupations.
What was a priestess?
A woman who held an official religious position and performed religious duties associated with a particular deity or cult.
Who was Aspasia?
A woman associated with Pericles in Classical Athens who became famous in ancient sources for her intelligence, social connections and influence.
What is one major problem with using literary sources such as Greek comedy to understand women's lives?
They may exaggerate, stereotype or deliberately distort women's behaviour for entertainment or social commentary.
Why was marriage particularly important to elite Roman families?
Marriage could create legitimate heirs, strengthen family alliances, preserve wealth and property, and increase social or political connections.
What role did enslaved women play in the economies of Ancient Greece and Rome?
They performed labour in households, agriculture, workshops and other industries, contributing significantly to the economic productivity of their owners.
Name one important religious activity available to women in Ancient Greece or Rome.
Variety of options relating to active participation in religious festivals and rituals (sacrifices, keeping flame alight, keeping a temple clean)
Who was Cornelia, and why is she significant?
Cornelia was the mother of the Gracchi and became an influential model of Roman female virtue, particularly as a mother.
A Roman tombstone describes a woman as a univira who was devoted to her husband and family. What does this potentially reveal?
It can reveal the ideals and expectations surrounding respectable Roman women, particularly ideas about marriage, loyalty and femininity.
Why should historians avoid assuming that all ancient women experienced marriage and family life in the same way?
Women's experiences varied according to social class, wealth, citizenship, geographical location, period, marital status and whether they were free or enslaved.
How could owning property affect a woman's economic independence in Ancient Rome?
Property ownership could give women greater control over wealth and resources, particularly for women who were wealthy and legally able to manage their property.
Why could religious positions provide women with influence and status?
Some religious offices were prestigious, visible and sometimes associated with wealth, public honour and interaction with important members of society.
Who was Livia Drusilla, and why is she historically significant?
Livia was the wife of Augustus and an important member of the early imperial household. She accumulated wealth, status and influence and became an important figure in the Julio-Claudian succession.
What is the main limitation of using statues and artwork to determine how women actually lived?
They often show idealised representations of women rather than accurate depictions of everyday life.
Why should historians avoid assuming that all ancient women experienced marriage and family life in the same way?
Women's experiences varied according to social class, wealth, citizenship, geographical location, period, marital status and whether they were free or enslaved.
Why was women's control of dowries economically significant in Roman society?
Dowries transferred wealth between families through marriage and could influence a woman's financial position and the distribution of family property.
Name Three religious festivals in Ancient Greece in which women participated.
Examples include the Thesmophoria, Panathenaia, Adonia, Haloa, Brauronia, Arrephoria and Anthesteria.
Why is Sappho's surviving poetry significant evidence for the study of women in Ancient Greece?
Her poetry provides rare evidence from a female perspective and reveals aspects of women's relationships, experiences and emotions.