Women are second class citizens in ancient Rome, but a few bright stars shine through this mutable civilization. Renowned for art, politics and military prowess, ancient Rome is home to famous femmes through history.
1. Cornelia, Mother of the Gracchi (c. 190 - 100 BCE)
Cornelia is the epitome of Roman matronhood, celebrated for her virtue, education, and dedication to her family. As the mother of the Gracchi brothers, Tiberius and Gaius, who become notable reformers, Cornelia is instrumental in shaping their ideals and ambitions.
Her famous response to a wealthy nobleman who displayed his riches—claiming her sons were her greatest treasures—symbolizes her commitment to her children’s political missions, as well as the high regard for motherhood in Roman society.
2. Fulvia (circa 83 - 40 BCE)
Fulvia is a politically savvy woman known for her part in power struggles of her time. She marries three influential men - Publius Clodius Pulcher, Gaius Scribonius Curio, and Marcus Antonius (Mark Antony). She pursues her political passions with power and influence.
Fulvia's determination is evident in her actions during the turbulent period after Julius Caesar's assassination. She takes charge of a rebellion against Octavian to back Antony. She's also the first non-mythological Roman woman to be featured on Roman coins.
3. Cleopatra VII (69 - 30 BCE)
Not Roman by birth, Cleopatra VII of Egypt is an integral part of Roman history through her alliances with pivotal leaders Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. Known for her intellect, political savvy and charisma, Cleopatra shields her kingdom from Roman dominance
She creates strategic relationships. Her tragic love affair with Mark Antony and the subsequent war with Octavian (later Augustus) marks the end of the Ptolemaic Kingdom, but Cleopatra's legacy as a powerful female figure in a male-dominated world endures.
4. Sulpicia (69 - 14 BCE)
Sulpicia is author of six short poems written in Latin. They're published as part of the corpus of Latin poet Albius Tibullus's literature. She's one of the few female poets of ancient Rome whose work survives.
The six poems of Sulpicia are 10, 8, 4, 6, 6, and 6 lines in order. They tell the complete story of a love-affair with all the usual hazards and passions: falling in love, temporary separation, the unfaithfulness of one partner, the illness of the other, and reassertion of love.
5. Livia Drusilla (58 BCE - AD 29)
One of the most influential women in Roman history, Livia Drusilla is wife of Augustus, the first Roman emperor. Livia has considerable influence over her husband and is instrumental in his rise to power. She's known for her intelligence, political acumen, and loyalty.
She often advises Augustus on various matters of state. After his death, Livia continues to exert influence in the political arena, promoting her sons, Tiberius and Drusus. Livia's legacy extends beyond her lifetime. She is deified, and revered as a model of Roman womanhood.
6. Agrippina the Younger (AD 15 – 59)
Agrippina the Younger is a formidable player in the imperial court, known for her fierce ambition and ruthless political maneuvers. As the niece of Emperor Tiberius, wife to Emperor Claudius, and mother to Emperor Nero, Agrippina dwells in a world of lies and betrayal.
She poisons husband Emperor Claudius to secure her son Nero's ascent to the throne and wields considerable influence during his reign, driving him to plot her death. Despite her downfall and assassination, Agrippina's impact on the Julio-Claudian dynasty is significant.
7. Hypatia of Alexandria (c. 360 - 415 AD)
Although Hypatia is after the peak of ancient Roman civilization, her impact as a scholarly figure is legendary. Philosopher, mathematician, and astronomer, Hypatia becomes the head of the Neoplatonic school in Alexandria. She teaches and writes on scientific and philosophy.
Hypatia’s intellectual contributions and representation of women in the field of academia highlight the potential for female scholars in cities like Alexandria, where progressive minds mingle. She is brutally murdered by a Christian Parabalani mob.
Many famous women of ancient Rome defy societal norms, navigating patriarchal structures to leave inspiring legacies. The stories highlight their influence in shaping the future of Rome.
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