The Tragically Paradoxical Role of Women in Ancient Roman Society

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The Tragically Paradoxical Role of Women in Ancient Roman Society

In nervous preparation for the essay section of my history final, I found myself fascinated by Livy’s anecdotes concerning the common thread of violence against women. Livy, a Roman historian, wrote a significant number of volumes concerning the ride and fall of the Roman Empire. Three stories in particular, the rape of the Sabine women, the rape of Lucretia, and the death of Verginia, shed light on the ancient Roman female as a surrogate victim blamed for her gender and sexuality in relation to men. While considering the themes of March’s Women’s HerStory Month and now April’s Domestic Violence Awareness month, I thought it might be relevant to raise awareness of women’s struggles during this time. Such a reflection would spur progress towards a society that fosters nonviolence and gender equality. One should note how the women involved in these stories face a fundamental and perhaps ethical paradox in their situation.

Many articles in learned journals refer to Livy’s rape of the Sabine women as a myth, but I believe a kernel of truth shines through this supposed fiction to reveal how the aggressive and selfish character of the early Romans imposed themselves on the lives of unknowing, innocent Sabine women. In 715 BC, Rome was experiencing rapid expansion so Romulus, the current leader, faced a problem in his ambition to increase the population. There existed no intermarriage among neighboring communities and consequently, the Romans felt resentful. Due to a shortage of woman, the Romans actually faced extinction at this time. So Rome staged a celebration of the Consualia, a festival in honor of Neptune, patron of the horse. Citizens came from nearby towns such as Caenina, Crustumium, Antemnae, and all the Sabines. However, when the show began, all the able-bodied Roman men rushed through the crowd and seized all the young women. As a result, war broke out between the Sabines and the Romans and it was the woman who actually emerged to unite their husbands and fathers, blaming themselves for the war (while they were the true victims). Livy claims that the nature of a women’s heart caused them to sympathize with their husbands, who had kidnapped them and taken them from their homes. “The men, too, played their part: they spoke honeyed words and vowed that it was passionate love which prompted their offense. No plea can better touch a woman’s heart” (Livy 44).

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