Roman Women1
The life of a Woman of Rome was filled with many traditions and rules, which were carried on generation after generation. Many say that Roman women were oppressed because they were not allowed to be an active part of society and politics. The book Roman Women by J.P.V.D. Balsdon gives, what I consider to be, an accurate and detailed account of a typical woman in Rome during the Roman Empire. Balsdon writes about the married women of Rome and the formidable ceremonies needed to perform a wedding. The children that soon came after marriage, which was in itself, another worry for women of the Roman culture. Rome also had its share, like most civilizations, of happy and unhappy marriages that women lived through. In addition, there were the less reputable women of Rome, the prostitutes and courtesans. And last, but not least, Balsdon gives a detailed account of a woman's daily life down to hairstyles, make-up, and jewelry. A woman's looks were very important in Rome. A woman revealed no more of her body than a nun does today. She usually wore the standard dress called a stola with light undergarments beneath this. It is a rather interesting fact that this style of dress did not change for three hundred years. Purple
Because of this, many shied away from it. Besides their beauty, most were talented, cultured, and lively. There were three forms of marriage in Rome. Opals, sapphires, emeralds, and diamonds were popular among the wealthy women. Each contained the similar idea that the wife passed from the authority of her father to the submission of her husband. The women of Rome took good care of themselves with public baths, hairdressers, and bright clothes. The first form of marriage was a primitive bride-purchase. With the passing of time, a strain from the childless marriage developed on the husband and wife. Betrothal sometimes happened in infancy. Escorting the bride to her new home was also a fundamental part of the ceremony. Roman women may not have had all the desires of their heart but they possessed more than other women in surrounding countries did. They were allowed to walk around town and take part in some activities. Before the end of the fifth century B. According to the church, weddings could not take place between Christmas and Easter. The perfectly suitable time for a marriage was said to be in the summer, especially the last half of June because this was the season of abundance and harvest.
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