...Gender Roles in Ancient Greece and Rome Mary Wright HUM/100 November25, 2013 Ryan Roark Gender Roles in Ancient Greece and Rome In ancient Greece and Rome the roles of each gender played a significant part of the history that we learn of today. Each gender had particular a different role in the ancient times of both of these empires. Men and women were valued for different reasons and had different responsibilities and duties that they were to uphold. Today those roles are not thought of as the same, the gender roles have pretty well evened out. In Athens women were looked greatly upon to not gossip amongst themselves, to keep their homes neat and tidy, for giving birth to legitimate children. This is how they were valued, based upon how well they did each of these duties. Unfortunately, women in Greece were not considered as citizens. In these times, the father had rights over his daughter. After marriage a father had the right to ask for his daughters return. Women in Greece often were kept at home and could own their own property but was not allowed to sell or dispose of her property. In Rome, women were more free as they were able to own their own property as well as sell or dispose of their property. Women also were free to go about where she liked, they were not kept at home out of sight. As to where women in ancient Greece belonged to their father, women in Rome were subject to the dominant male role in her birth house or if she was married that...
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...Prasutagus was given money from Rome. He thought it was a gift, but Rome saw it as a loan, an investment. After a while, Rome wanted its money back. Prasutagus did not have the amount needed by Rome, so Rome waited. Prasutagus died in battle, and he left a will leaving half of the nation to Nero, the Roman leader, and half to his daughters. In Roman law there is no such thing as a will, and the estates of a dead man fall to the eldest son in the family. Prasutagus had no son. Rome took its chance. They infiltrated the royal residence, that at the time Boudicca and her daughters resided. When Boudicca objected to them looting the entire residence, she was publicly flogged and her daughters were raped (Mark). Boudicca took action. She would not let Rome disgrace her family and her nation. Boudicca should be remembered for being a strong leader, for the massacre at London, and being defeated by the Romans. Boudicca displayed her...
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...Examine Byron’s response to at least two of the places visited by Childe Harold: Greece, Rome, Portugal, Venice & co. ‘I have always had great contempt for women; and formed this opinion of them not hastily, but from my own fatal experience. My writings, indeed tend to exalt the sex; and my imagination has always delighted in giving them a beau ideal likeness, but I only drew them as a painter or sanctuary would do, -- as they should be.’[1] (Medwin, Nov 1821- Mar 1822 (Cf. Ideality of Art)) p. 195 Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage was Lord George Gordon Byron’s first composition which he begun in 1809 and finally completed in 1818. The structure of the poem follows a young promising knight through his journey around Europe. The poem is autobiographical: Byron uses Childe Harold as a fictional figure to respond to, and comment on, life and experiences around Europe whilst Byron was undertaking his own ‘Tour’. The Grand Tour ‘became the fashionable way for young male aristocrats to complete an education whose foundation was classical Greek and Roman history, rhetoric, philosophy, and poetry.’[2] As a Romantic poet, in Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage Byron uses the depiction of nature as a way to express his opinions of place. Childe Harold is full of images and motifs which takes its reader on a journey, or a pilgrimage, of self-discovery and through foreign lands in the truly beautiful Byronic style. Politics have dominated the critical analysis of Childe Harold in the past,...
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...in their version of an idealized world. It can be said, without a doubt, that everyone has this idealized world. For some, this world can be heavily based on the realities of their life at present or a world loosely based on reality. Few can be motivated to aim for this standard of perfection, however to reach the standard of perfection one must be realistic, hold good intentions in their hearts, and truthfully consider the situation they are in. In the realm of revenge tragedy, the choice between air-headily choosing to create an idealistic world without thorough consideration, and being truthful with the reality of life before setting out to create an idealized world affects the archetypal characters, as they are made to preform their roles based on that decision. Director, Ridley Scott’s epic film, Gladiator, explores the outcomes of turning one’s idealistic standard of life into reality. The film does so through the journeys of the classic hero archetype, the villain archetype, and lastly a character that is not classified as a general archetype, but simply one meant to push the story forward. Maximus Decimus Meridius, being the classic hero archetype and the protagonist of the film, is a man who possessed the ability to push through all the challenges and directly face the truth of the situation in an arduous attempt to actualize his idealistic world. This becomes one of his greatest traits and one of his flaws leading to his death. Commodus, the villain of the film...
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...public reforms drastically changed Rome’s social standards at the expense of the freedoms of the people. The popular opinion believed Augusts’ reforms were for the better, but for others like Terentia his reign was tyrannical. His use of religion was extreme and became a tool of Augustus’; power. Through Augustus’’ controls of Terentia and the sorrow of Dido, and feats of Camilla, we see how love and leadership were apart of the different women of Rome. Augustus, in the eyes of his people, represented all the key characteristics of a great leader. He supported his people and brought them glory. He fought for Rome externally to keep it safe, and fought inside Rome internally to better the empire. He revived traditional values and brought an onslaught of new virtues in society through new laws. IN resorting the values of Rome, he built hundred of new temples as a symbol of the new values of Rome. Despite how the people viewed Augustus, Terentia hated Rome’s emperor. To Terentia, he was a tyrant that controlled her life. Values he upheld to Rome were used on Terentia to stop her from ever gaining power. She was separated from the only family she had left and forced to become a Vestal Virgin. When a Vestal Virgin was accused of adultery, Augustus, without trial, condemns her to death. In a short moment, he is no the forgiving man that he conducts himself as. Although he wishes to create a pious, morally good empire, he creates laws that suppress his people. He forced them in marriage and...
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...ANCIENT ROMAN ART. DISCUSS HOW THIS IS AN EXPRESSION OF ROMAN VALUES AND THE SOCIAL ROLES OF WOMEN. The society of the ancient Romans has often been considered as the foundation for our modern society. Although the legal status of women in ancient Rome was quite confined, in actual fact women played very crucial roles in business, the arts, and politics. Roman women in ancient times, though discriminated against on ground of gender but was seen as the most liberated in the world of that time. When looking at the sources for ancient roman women many questions are asked and considered, such as, what was the role of roman women in their society? Were they considered citizens who had personal freedoms, or were given no or little education? Were there roles really important to society? Whenever we go through the records of roman women's status in society there is always a great consternation. Several sources or journals which mention the roles of women in ancient roman society, several works which mention them as wives and mothers. There are sources however limited they may be which delve deeper into the scope of these questions, which give a glimpse into the lives of roman women. Woman in artwork has been portrayed as the guarantor of bounty and fertility. Roman women throughout their life from childhood and education to marriage and further in the motherhood had played a great role in society of that time. Moreover, Roman women in their daily life chores and other...
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...Gender Roles in Classical Greece, Rome, India and China The Classical Era was home to several civilizations; Greece, Rome, China and India, each with its own unique religion, philosophy, social order and gender roles. These Classical societies laid the foundation for future civilizations and in some cases their influence is still felt today. Women in this era were not equal to their male counterparts; however each Classical civilization had its own ideas about gender roles and the ways in which families should be developed. Women in Classical Greece played into society in their gender roles and the stability of society. Wives of the artisan class were to care for all things within their homes including managing the family budget, cooking and cleaning. Greece holds a sharp contrast to Roman, Chinese and Indian women in that the upper class elite women had the ability to become educated. Often families with wealth sent their daughters to get a proper formal education, while women in agricultural areas wove wool and took care of all matters of the home. As stated in “Aristotle: On a Good Wife” (Aristotle, The Politics & Economics of Aristotle), Aristotle describes the ways in which men and women of the Greek Classical Era should behave. Men in the family unit were to rule over their wives like a “divine” law. They also had to take great care in the way in which they shaped their wives, always in a discreet and mannerly way. Child rearing was the responsibility of both parents...
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...Gender Differences in Early Civilizations The treatment of men and women was a big part of ancient societies as it is today. In all the different areas of living, masculinity and femininity are seen in drastically different ways. In ancient civilizations, gender played a great role in the way people were treated. In some cultures like ancient Egypt, women and men were treated equally for the most part. In other cultures, such as ancient Rome and China women were treated far worse than men. Different civilizations had very different ways and reasons for the treatment of women in comparison to men. Both of them had different everyday lives based on their gender roles and how the society viewed each gender. Gender difference existed in ancient...
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...The Conversion of Constantine Constantine was the first Emperor of Rome to convert to Christianity. His mother, Helena, exposed Constantine to Christianity at a young age. Constantine didn’t declare his Christianity until he was over 42 and did not get baptized until shortly before his death. Writing to Christians, Constantine made clear that he believed his successes were owed to the protection of that High God alone. In 306 A.D, when Constantine came into power and for the next thirty years of his reign Constantine elevated Christianity and the Church within the Roman Empire. By the time of his death in 337 A.D. he had changed the landscape of both the Church and Roman society. Constantine had increased the Church leaders duties and responsibilities. Before the end of century, Constantine outlawed traditional sacrifices and the state cults were forbidden. The Impact of the Fall of the Western Empire on the Church A better question is: How big was the impact of the fall of the Western Empire of Rome on the Church? Constantine’s edict legitimized Christianity and additionally the duties and responsibilities given to Church leaders. As the Western Empire began to deteriorate the people began to look towards the Church and the Bishop of Rome. The Church began to grow, collecting money, land, and power; these resources and authority of the Bishop offered the people of Rome security that the Empire of Rome could no longer provide. As the Empire lost it’s ability to protect...
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...However, does the span of a few millennia dull every convivial sensation or make dreary every delectable euphemism for irrumo? Hopefully, it has not. Roman sexual attitudes have changed greatly since the time of the Caesars, but the facts and records of yesteryear's sexual escapades have not. In fact, sexuality in ancient Rome generally lacked what we would today call 'heterosexual', or 'homosexual'. The colloquialisms of the lower class and silvery loquations of the upper-class possessed innumerable profane terms, some of which have direct lines to modern profanity. There was, of course, the pearly, carnal decadence of the elite, so often portrayed in the media – however, the milk baths and wine showers that come to mind were extravagances and eccentricities, leaving the rest of the people with a very different sexual life. Homosexuality and pedophilia were tenuous topic, despite their common recognition and plentiful literary references. Most important of all, perhaps, was a gaping chasm differing what was a 'normal' relationship in the Classical world and a modern relationship. To say the least, it was an exciting time to be vigorous and lascivious in Rome. To say the least, there is a large gulf between our own taboos and Roman sexual attitudes. The single most startling and definitive point of evidence to differentiate modern Western sexual attitudes...
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...their views of the time and city in their writing, bringing along an allegorical message for the reader. The city of Rome has very different portrayals before and after the sack in the 1500s. Aretino’s play, The Courtesan, displays his portrayal of Rome and the Catholic Church being a corrupt dystopia, by using the allegory of prostitution, and reflects these ideas within the play and the characters. After the sack, there was a need of the Catholic Church to revive Rome to a utopian portrayal. Pope Paul III commissioned Caro to write a work to...
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...Henry 8th The year is 1563, after the bloodshed of Mary’s reign, England is unified and united under the reign of Elizabeth I.1 With Protestantism taking hold, the English had truly embraced their religion, incorporating it as part of their national image. However, the High Church of England had a rough history. In the beginning it was never truly sure of its position or role in relation to Catholicism and other protestant faiths. It took nearly 40 years and 4 monarchs to solidify its stance and finalize the church doctrine. The reason for this instability was caused in part by the true nature of the schism. Unlike the reformations of the continent, the English Reformation was caused by political motives rather than differences in theology and clerical practices. It was all started off by Henry’s desire to marry Anne Boleyn, followed by the English courts desire to access the power and wealth of the church. Cementing the fact that the reformation was political, was how closely the High Church’s doctrine mimicked that of the Catholic Church. Henry had been married for 21 years to Catherine of Aragon and she had not been able to produce a male heir. Not only had they not conceived a male, they had struggled to conceive at all. ‘During their marriage, Catherine had given birth to 6 children. 2 were stillborn, 3 did not survive the first year and Mary, the only one to make it to adulthood, was frail and sickly.’2 In Henry’s mind it was integral to the continuation of the Tudor...
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...women in comparison to the western societies of today which will be discussed in Return of the Patriarchy by Phillip Longman. The best way to determine the reasons for the limitations placed on Greek and Roman women is to refer to ancient writings which capture the realities of their lives and times. It can be surmised from these writings that the limitations placed on women was not the result of lack of respect or capability but driven by necessity. The necessity of a patriarchal society in Greece and Rome was the primary factor in the limitations set on women. Phillip Longman talks about patriarchy in his article Return of Patriarchy describing it as, “a value system that not only requires men to marry but to marry women of proper station…a cultural regime that serves to keep birthrates high among the affluent, while also maximizing parents’ investment in their children…no advanced civilization has yet learned how to endure without it” meaning that the only way that Greece and Rome could have existed for as long as it did was with this system of patriarchy, the foundation of both civilizations (Longman, 58). High fertility rates were pushed into the Greek and Roman cultures because as Longman points out when plants and animals were domesticated people were no longer concerned about overpopulation but lack of population, something integral for the survival of a city (Longman, 62). The best way to make sure that population was continually...
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...Emperor and the most powerful man in Europe at the time. He was Catherine’s nephew, and also held significant influence over the Pope due to the military superiority in the Habsburg-Valois conflict. Imperial troops sacked Rome, which meant that the Pope was essentially a prisoner to Charles, and was in no position to disagree with him. Wolsey was of the belief that he could use his position as Papal Legate to achieve this annulment, and attempted to call a council of leading archbishops to decide on the matter in the Pope’s absence. The French cardinals were relcutant to play along and before long, the Pope was freed, although still under heavy influence from Charles, who had the Pope’s freedom in his hands, and could imprison him again if he so wished. Wolsey then had the case heard in England, but the Pope did not want to anger Charles or Henry, and suggested that Henry seeked a divorce and promised him he would be able to attain an annulment later on. Henry was not interested though. Cardinal Campeggio was sent to hear the case, but his main purpose was to stall the case. He suggested that Catherine was to go into a nunnery, but |Henry was adamant on an annulment through Rome, and Catherine was not keen on this idea either. Catherine also played a vital role in the rejection of Henry’s annulment, as she gained many supporters in court who sympathised with her. The true Catherine was said to have...
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...tending to his crops, and leave behind his life as a respected general. After defeating the German barbarians, and with his health failing Caesar decides to appoint Maximus as the protector of Rome and wishes to pass all of his powers as Caesar to Maximus, on the condition that Maximus restores Rome to its former glory, then returning all power to the senate. Commodus, who is played by Joaquin Phoenix who is also a method actor, is a spoiled self indulged aristocrat that believed Caesar would name him as his successor. Commodus kills Caesar and takes the title of Caesar and orders his soldiers to kill Maximus and his family. Maximus escapes, wounded, only to return home to find that Commodus’ soldiers beat him there and slain his wife and son. He awakes to find himself captured to be sold as a slave to Proximo, played by the late Oliver Reed. Promimo is a Gladiator manager, and trains his slaves to fight as gladiators in arena settings, so that he can profit from their blood. Upon returning to Rome, Commodus decides instead of building a sewer drainage system that would help remedy the plague epidemic that is starting to grip Rome that he would bring back gladiator battles back to the Colosseum, a practice that his father had previously banned. Proximo takes his group of gladiators to Rome to participate in the spectacles of the Colosseum, and proves the talent of his...
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