Women in Roman law Roman Empire

freeborn roman women considered citizens throughout republic , empire, did not vote, hold political office, or serve in military. mother s citizen status determined of children, indicated phrase ex duobus civibus romanis natos ( children born of 2 roman citizens ). roman woman kept own family name (nomen) life. children took father s name, in imperial period made mother s name part of theirs, or used instead.

the archaic form of manus marriage in woman had been subject husband s authority largely abandoned imperial era, , married woman retained ownership of property brought marriage. technically remained under father s legal authority, though moved husband s home, when father died became legally emancipated. arrangement 1 of factors in degree of independence roman women enjoyed relative of many other ancient cultures , modern period: although had answer father in legal matters, free of direct scrutiny in daily life, , husband had no legal power on her. although point of pride one-man woman (univira) had married once, there little stigma attached divorce, nor speedy remarriage after loss of husband through death or divorce.

girls had equal inheritance rights boys if father died without leaving will. roman mother s right own property , dispose of saw fit, including setting terms of own will, gave enormous influence on sons when adults.

as part of augustan programme restore traditional morality , social order, moral legislation attempted regulate conduct of men , women means of promoting family values . adultery, had been private family matter under republic, criminalized, , defined broadly illicit sex act (stuprum) occurred between male citizen , married woman, or between married woman , man other husband. childbearing encouraged state: woman had given birth 3 children granted symbolic honours , greater legal freedom (the ius trium liberorum).

because of legal status citizens , degree become emancipated, women own property, enter contracts, , engage in business, including shipping, manufacturing, , lending money. inscriptions throughout empire honour women benefactors in funding public works, indication acquire , dispose of considerable fortunes; instance, arch of sergii funded salvia postuma, female member of family honoured, , largest building in forum @ pompeii funded eumachia, priestess of venus.

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