Women In Ancient Rome

I have always been curious about societies, material remains and the unquestionable historical bond that links us all. It is therefore not a surprise that I want to know more about the civilizations of the past.

Currently, I am fascinated by the inexplicable bond that is shared by the Mediterranean and Classical world. I am deeply enamored by the Ptolemaic Dynasty- their dramatic rise and quick fall. The multiple-ruler dynasty, which survived for a mere 400 years, has to be considered when examining the relations between the Egyptians and Classical Romans. Despite their Greek descent, Ptolemys were known for their respect and adherence to Egyptian customs. The level of tolerance shown by the rulers excites me to know more about this line of kings and queens. Also, a source of importance from this period is the Rosetta Stone. The historic artefact held the key to the decipherment of hieroglyphics. Quite clearly, the Ptolemaic Dynasty holds a much superior position than what we accord.

In the past few days, I have read a number of historical fictions on Nefertiti, Nefertari, Pharaoh Hatshepsut and Cleopatra Selene. All these fictional accounts have made me curious about the condition and lives of women in the ancient world. The struggle for power and independence dramatized in these stores are quite realistic, and therefore I wonder whether the power struggle might have also existed at that point in time. Sources from the ancient period hardly talk about the women in these societies, and therefore I am really inquisitive to know more about the position accorded to women, their identities, roles and responsibilities in the household. More challenging would be to understand these gender dynamics through material remains, but it’s a challenge that I am willing to