Introduction
Ancient Rome was a period of immense acquisition and development in western civilization, lasting from 753 B.C. to A.D. 476. It was a time of immense transition and transformation in literature, philosophy, art, architecture, and language. This period also spawned some of the most successful and influential women in history. From empresses and emperors to warriors, teachers, politicians, and writers, who were some of the most significant female figures in Ancient Rome?
Empresses & Rulers
One of the most notable figures from Ancient Rome was Livia Drusilla, who was the third wife of Julius Caesar, the first Roman Emperor. She is often referred to as the “first lady” of Rome, as she was essentially an empress in everything but a sanctioned title. Livia was known to have been very influential in Roman politics and culture and was instrumental in helping to establish the Roman Empire. Another significant female figure was Cleopatra VII, who was a Queen of Ptolemaic Egypt. Cleopatra had an extensive political career and was known for her intelligence, charisma and beauty.
Senators & Generals
The Roman Republic was completely ruled by men, yet that did not prevent some of the most significant female figures from making their mark. Agrippina the Elder, for example, was a Roman politician, who is considered to be one of the most influential women in Roman history. Agrippina was a prominent member of the Claudian political dynasty, which ruled from 49 BC to AD 68. Additionally, Fulvia was a general and politician, who was known for her involvement in the political struggle of Julius Caesar, Mark Antony and Octavian.
Scholars & Teachers
The Roman Empire was also a place of learning and education, and some of the most respected scholars and teachers were female. One of the most influential teachers was Cornelia Africana, the daughter of the Roman politician Scipio Africanus Major. She was known for her well-rounded education and her contributions to literature, philosophy and music. Cornelia also tutored Marcus Porcius Cato and Tiberius Gracchus and was known to be a great teacher who encouraged her students to think beyond the boundaries of their education. Additionally, Hypatia of Alexandria was a female scholar and teacher at the Library of Alexandria. She was known for her contributions to mathematics, philosophy and astronomy, and was also an early leader of the Neoplatonic school of philosophy.
Writers & Poets
Rome was also a period of immense creativity. Many female writers and poets emerged during this time, who had an immense impact on the world of literature. Sappho of Lesbos was one of the earliest known female writers, and was known for her lyric poetry. Her works were so influential that they are still studied today. Ovid was another famous writer who was known for his narrative poetry, most notably the Metamorphoses. His works influenced writers from various cultures due to its universal themes. Similarly, Valerius Maximus was known for his moral philosophy, which was greatly admired by the Romans.
Heroines & Saints
The period of Ancient Rome was also a time of immense heroism, with some of its most significant female figures showing immense courage and strength in times of peril. One shining example of this was Claudia Quinta, who is known for her sacrifice to the gods. Claudia Quinta is said to have thrown herself onto the altar in order to quell a storm that had been raging in Rome. Additionally, Saint Agnes of Rome was a young Christian martyr who is today remembered as a saint and symbol of purity. She is known for her immense fortitude and courage in the face of persecution and death.
Gender Equality & Female Empowerment
Women in Ancient Rome had to face the harsh realities of a male-dominated society, yet their contributions have been immense. From empressesses to warriors, teachers and writers, the female figures of Ancient Rome have been invaluable for the development of western culture as we know it. Despite the obstacles that were in their way, these women still managed to create a legacy of power and ambition, paving the way for gender equality and female empowerment.
Women in Politics
Politics in ancient Rome was the realm of men, but the involvement of women in high-level politics is widely documented. For example, Agrippina the Younger, the daughter of Agrippina the Elder, was a powerful and influential Roman Empress. Despite her turbulent reign, she is still an important example of women in politics in Ancient Rome. Additionally, Sempronia was a renowned politician, orator, and historian, and Marius’ wife Julia Caesaris was also known for her writings on politics. These women were able to make their mark in the political sphere of Ancient Rome, regardless of their gender.
Economists & Businesswomen
The economy of Ancient Rome was heavily reliant upon trade and commerce, and some of the most influential businesspeople were female. Sappho of Cyrene is known for her successful trading business and financial acumen. Her involvement in the economic system of Rome was invaluable, and her work is still studied today. Procula was another female businessperson who was known for her shrewdness and acumen. She is credited with creating the first publically traded company in Rome, which would become a blueprint for modern-day businesses.
Leaders & Prophets
The Ancient Roman period also spawned some of the most iconic female prophets and religious figures. One of the most prominent was Vibia Perpetua, who was a young Christian martyr who is today venerated as a saint. Perpetua is credited with inspiring other young women with her courage and defiance in the face of persecution. Additionally, the Sibylline Oracles were female prophets who were believed to be able to predict the future and provide guidance from the gods. These women were highly revered and their predictions were invaluable for the people of Rome.
