“[T]he position of the Roman matron was quite different from that of the Greek matron in the time of Pericles. The Roman matron was mistress in her own household. As the husband took charge of all external transactions, so the wife was supreme in household arrangements.”
—James Donaldson, Woman; Her Position and Influence in Ancient Greece and Rome
Based on your knowledge of the role of women in the Roman republic, provide evidence to prove the author’s claim that the position of Roman women was different from that of Greek women.
One way to prove the author's claim would be to compare the legal and social rights and responsibilities accorded to Roman women with those of Greek women. Here are a few examples:
1. Legal status: In Rome, women had more legal rights and could own property, engage in business transactions, and inherit wealth. In contrast, Athenian women in Greece had limited legal rights and were considered legal minors throughout their lives. They were unable to own property, enter into contracts, or conduct business without a male guardian's permission.
2. Household authority: Roman women held significant authority within their households. They were responsible for managing the domestic affairs, supervising slaves, and making decisions regarding household matters. Greek women, especially in Athens, held a subordinate position within the household and were not given the same level of authority as Roman women.
3. Education: Roman women had access to education that went beyond learning domestic skills. Some elite Roman women, such as Cornelia, the mother of the Gracchi brothers, received formal education in literature, philosophy, and rhetoric. Greek women, on the other hand, were primarily educated in matters related to homemaking and child-rearing.
4. Public participation: Roman women had more opportunities for public participation compared to Greek women. They could attend public events and gatherings, accompany their husbands to social functions, and even participate in religious ceremonies. Greek women, on the other hand, were expected to remain separate from public life and were not allowed to attend public events or participate in religious rituals.
By considering these factors, it becomes clear that Roman women had a different position and more rights in society compared to Greek women during the time of Pericles.