Women in Late Antiquity/Roman Empire By Nicole Chandonnet and Eva Leersnyder

Women in the Roman Empire Political Power Sex Roles Women were under complete control of the pater familias Arranged marriages and appointed guardians Different types of marriages By the time of Augustus a women was exempt from control after 3 children, and free after having four. The Death Penalty

Women in the Roman Empire Right to inherit money and property. The role of a wife Women of upper class Status in Rome A woman’s education People of lower class Womens role in Roman Religion

Women in Early Christianity The early Christian Church’s view of women Jesus approach to women Jesus defines contemporary, social customs Jesus demonstrates that he values women equally with men. Marriage

Pagan and Christian Lifestyles Dowry Legal marriage age Father picks the husband When does legal independence come in? According to Constantine, a husband was not to be given any property or even money from his spouse. Slaves could not marry Divorce (The law formed under Constantine) Christianity-enlarged womens’ possibilities

Review What were the two types of marriages called? Answer: Manus and Non-manus Roman women had the right to inherit _ and _? Answer: Money and Property The status in Rome was based on what? Answer: Wealth What is one of the ways in which Christians broke from the Roman Conception of Women? Answer: It was in their perception of marriage. How old did you have to be to legally get married? Answer: 12 years old When could a married woman become legally independent? Answer: If her father died. What would happen if a husband used some of his wife’s dowry, but then go a divorce? Answer: The man would have to give it all back. A Woman could only get a divorce if she had _ and _ support. Answer: Moral and financial

Ancient Roman Dessert

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