Roman Women
I. Tomb inscriptions of republican women. Most of these are from Rome or near-by towns and date from the about 150 B.C. to about 50 B.C. Inscriptions which say "I" are pretending to speak for the dead person; this is fairly common in Roman epitaphs. Several are in verse (also common at Rome), and I keep the line divisions in those cases.
CIL I2.16
Both of these inscriptions are from the tombs of members of the the same (famous) family, the Cornelii Scipiones.
Paulla Cornelia, sone of Gnaeus, wife of Hispallus.
[Cf. Lucius Cornelius Scipio, son of Lucius.
The majority at Rome agre that this one man
Was the the best of good men,
Lucius Scipio, son of Barbatus.
He was consul, censor, and aedile among you.
He captured Corsica and the city of Aleria;
He gave a well-deserved temple to the Storms.]
CIL I2.1541; mid first century?
O, you who pass by with an untroubled mind
And turn your face to us below,
If you ask who I am, behold ashes and burnt embers;
Before sad death I was Helvia Prima.
While I held my husband Cadmus Scrateius
We lived in concord with a shared soul.
Now I belong to Death for all time,
Led away by fatal fire and Stygian water.
CIL I2.1211; late 2nd century B.C.
Stranger, what I have to say is brief; stop and read.
This is the unbeautiful tomb of a beautiful woman.
Her parents named her Claudia.
She loved her husband with her heart.
She bore two sons, one of whom
She left alive, the other she buried.
She had pleasing speech and fair gait.
She took care of the house; she spun wool.
I have spoken. Depart.
CIL 6.26192; 1st century B.C.
Here is buried dutiful, frugal, chaste, and modest Sempronia Moschis, to whom her husband gives deserved thanks.
CIL I2.1221b; c.80 B.C.
Aurelia Philematio, freedwoman of Lucius.
I lived with the name Aurelia Philematio
Chaste, modest, ignorant of the crowd, faithful to my husband.
We were freed by the same master. He, whom I have lost,
Was as father and more to me in truth.
He took me to his breast when I was seven
And he was forty, yet I am now dead.
He flourished as I carried out my duty.
CIL 6.11357
Albia Hargula, the mistress' favorite, lived 56 years. Chaste and very faithful; if the dead have any feeling, may the bones which are buried here rest easy.
CIL I2.1836
Manlia Sabina, daughter of Lucius
I loved my parent as a parent to me;
I cherished my husband in the second place;
I maintained a chaste way of life.
Farewell, stranger. Live, for death is on its way.
CIL I2.1259
Quintus Brutus, son of Publius, of the Qurinal tribe, seller of cattle from the field, rests here. He was modest, frugal, and loved by all.
Brutia Rufa, freedwoman of Quintus, a dutiful woman, was pleasing to her patron while she lived.
CIL I2.2161
Stranger, stop and look at this high tomb,
Where are contained the bones of a young woman.
Here I am buried in the prime of life;
I brought dignity to my spinning and other work.
I complain against so unfair and heavy a fortune.
I you ask my name, Salvia will appear.
Farewell, stranger. I hope you will be luckier.
II. Selected passages from Cicero's letters refering to women. Letters indicate which collection of letters each passage is from. A= Letters to Titus Pomponius Atticus, Cicero's best friend. He is usually called Pomponius in the letters, but Atticus today. Atticus was a businessman and bon vivant, not a politician (though he did keep up with all the gossip). F = Letters to (and from) friends and family. The specific addressee of each letter is given in parentheses. B = Letters to (and from) Marcus Brutus, a younger friend and one of the assassins of Caesar. Q = Letters to his brother Quintus Cicero. Other frequently appearing characters include:
Terentia: Cicero's first wife; divorced in 47.
Tullia: Cicero and Terentia's daughter (79-45).
Pilia: Atticus' wife.
Attica: Atticus' daughter.
Pomponia: Atticus' sister and Cicero's sister-in-law (married to his brother).
Dolabella: Tullia's third husband (50-46), Cicero's son-in-law.
Servilia: Brutus' mother.
"Cow-eye": Clodia, the sister of Cicero's arch-enemy, Publius Clodius. The actual term Cicero uses as a nickname is a Greek word (not Latin) and is not particularly uncomplementary (it is used to describe the goddess Hera in the Iliad).
A. Women and Social Gatherings. Cf. Cornelius Nepos, On Famous Men, preface 6-7: "On the other hand there are many things which we find perfectly respectable, which are thought most foul by other peoples. For instance, what Roman would be ashamed to bring his wife to a dinner party? Or who does not think that matrons should not have a place up front in houses and other crowded places? But things are quite different in Greece, for they are not allowed into parties (unless of their relatives), nor into any part of the house except the interior (the 'gynaeconis') where no one comes unless a close relative."
A. 2.3.4; Dec. 60
But let us reserve these matters for our strolls during the Compitalia festival; just make sure you remember the day before as well. I'll have them fire up the baths. And Terentia wants Pomponia to come too; we can add your mother as well. Bring me Theophrastus' On Glory from my brother's library.
A. 2.8.2; Apr. 59
Anyway, here is our itinerary so that you can decide where you will visit us.... On May first we will set out from Formiae so as to be in Antium by the third, for the games will be held there for the next three days, and Tullia wants to see them.
A. 4.4a.2; May 56
Make sure at least that you come yourself, if you can stick around for a while, at that you bring Pilia. This is only fair and it's what Tullia wants.
A. 4.12; May 55
But if you are my friend, you will dine at my house with Pilia on the second of next month. You really must do this. On the first I'm planning to eat at Crassipes' suburban estate instead of at an inn.
Q. 3.1.19; Sept. 54
When I had already written down these most depressing thoughts (with my own hand), your son came to dinner at my house, althought he had dined with Pomponia elsewhere.
F. 16.22.1 (Tiro); 46
Take your usual care about the banquet; Terentia will be there so long as Publilius is not invited.
A. 13.47a.1; Aug. 45
If I had to choose, I'd rather come and find out I'd missed you than take a chance on missing it. I'd regret it later. So today I'm at Antium, and I'll be home by noon tomorrow. I hope you'll come by my place with Pilia on the 31st, if you're not busy.
B. Women and Travel
A. 4.19.1; Nov. 54
Unless I am deceived, I will see you before you write back to me, for I believe that you thought that your women were in Apulia. Since this is not the case, why should you be delayed in Apulia?
A. 7.13a.3; Jan. 49
I hope you will quickly write me on these matters, and about what you think best in the matter of my women, and about what you're going to do yourself. If I had been writing myself, the letter would have been much longer, but my eyes are tired so I am dictating.
A 7.14.3; Jan. 49
As for our women (including your sister) I ask that you see to it that is honorable enough for me that they remain at Rome while the other women of similar rank have left. I wrote both them and you on this subject before. I hope you will urge them to depart, especially since I have control estates along the shore which they can comfortably inhabit as if they had been born there. For if I have caused any offense because of my son-in-law [Dolabella] (which is really unfair), it is made greater because our women have remained at Rome longer than the others.
F 14.14.1-2 (Terentia and Tullia); Jan. 49
It is your decision, not just mine, as to what you must do. If that man [Caesar] is going to return to Rome in modest fashion, you can rightly remain at home for the present; but if a mad man [again Caesar] is going to give the city over to destruction, I fear that Dolabella will not be able to help us enough. I also fear that you will be cut off so that you won't be able to leave when you wish. The remaining consideration (which you yourselves will be able to evaluate best) is whether women of your sort will be at Rome or not. If not, you must see to it that you can remain honorably.... I also fear that there will be a food shortage in the city. Please discuss these matters with Pomponius, Camillus, and whomever seems best to you. Be strong.
F. 14.18.1, 2 (Terentia and Tullia); Jan. 49
I think, o lights of my life, that you must diligently consider (again and again) what you are going to do: Will you stay at Rome or be with me, or go to some safe place. This is not only my thought, but yours.
The following thoughts come to mind. At Rome Dolabella can keep you safe, and this could help us if any rioting and looting start. But I am bothered because I see that all the true patriots have left Rome and they have taken their women with them.... It is not clear to me which is better. Watch what other women do there and make sure that you will be permitted to leave when you want to. I hope you will consider this carefully among yourselves and with your friends.... Please send messangers at regular intervals so that I may get letters from you daily
A. 11.17a.1; June 47
I thought about sending my son [age 19] along with Sallust to Caesar. On the other hand, I did not see that there was any reason to keep Tullia with me any longer in the common grief. So I was going to send her to her mother as soon as it was all right with her. [She was still there a month and a half later.]
A. 12.1.2; Dec. 46
Would that I could now rush to the embrace of my Tullia and to Attica's embrace! But I ask that you write to me about all this so that, while I stay at Tusculum, I know what she is talking about or, if she is away in the country, what she writes to you. Meanwhile you will speak or write my good wishes to her and to Pilia, also.
A. 15.1a.1; June 44
I sent a letter to you yesterday when I left Puteoli and headed for Cumae. There I saw Pilia who seemed to be doing well. Then a little later I saw her at Cumae, for she had come for a funeral. I also had a part in this funeral; our friend Gnaeus Lucullus buried his mother.
C. Women and Information Transfer.
A. 1.5.3; early 67
You accuse me unfairly of not sending letters, for Pompeia never informed me how I could give letters to, nor did I happen to have anyone who was going to Epirus [in northern Greece], nor had I heard that you were in Athens.
A. 2.12.4; Apr. 59
Terentia is delighted by your letters and sends her best wishes.
F. 14.1.6 (Terentia); Nov. 58
Take care of yourself and send messengers to me so that I may know what is going on at Rome and what you yourselves are doing.
A. 7.2.2; Nov. 50
But Terentia, who came to the port city of Brundisium at the same time I got to the port, ran into me in the forum and said that Lucius Pontius had told her near Trebula that your illness had passed.
A. 7.16.1; Jan. 49
I think that all your letters have reached me, though the first one last; the others came through Terentia in the order in which they were sent.
A. 10.16.5; Apr. 49
While I was making my return, Hortensius had also returned and sent Terentia to me with his greetings.
F. 14.19 (Terentia); Nov. 48
Among my many torments, Tullia's illness tortures me most. But I will say no more about this, for I know that your concern is equally great. You want me to come nearer, and I agree that it has to be done, and I would even have done it before, but things got in the way. They have now beeb cleared up. I am expecting letters from Pomponius which I hope you will send me as soon as possible. Be well.
A. 11.17; June 47
My Tullia came to me yesterday and told me much about your benevolence and sollicitude towards her and have me three letters from you. Because of her virtue, humanity, and sense of duty I not only took the pleasure which I ought from such a daughter, but also was greatly saddened that such a talent has suffered such misfortune through no fault of her own, but because of me.
A. 12.22.2; Mar. 45
Since you seem to be unsure about Rutilia, write to me when you know (but as soon as possible), and also whether Clodia outlived Decimus Brutus, her son, the ex-consul. The latter can be learned from Marcellus or certainly from Postumia.
A. 15.13.4; Oct. 44
You say that you know nothing about Brutus, but Servilia says that Marcus Scaptius has arrived and that he will come to her secretly (without the fanfare of old) and that I would know all; I will pass it on immediately. Meanwhile she also says that Bassus' slave came to announce that the Egyptian legions were in arms, that Bassus was summoned and that they were waiting for Cassius.
F. 11.8.1 (Decimus Brutus); Jan. 43
When your Paula [Brutus' wife] asked if wanted to send you a letter, I had nothing to send.
B. 1.15.13; Jul. 43
I hope that you will learn from your mother and your sister's letters how carefully I have taken care of your sister's sons. In this matter I have been more concerned to take account of your good will towards me (which I hold most dear), than to worry over my reputation for consistency (as some think).
B. 1.18.6; Jul. 43
I did not wait until you wrote instructions in the matter of the sons of your sister, Brutus. The times themselves reserve the court case for you (there's a war on), but from the beginning, since I could not tell how long the war would last, I argued their case before the senate in a way you can learn from the letters of their mother.
D. Woman in Financial and Public Affairs
[The next three letters refer to Clodia's activities as an agent for her brother Clodius.]
A. 2.12.2; Apr. 59
[Discussing the plans of Cicero's enemy Publius Clodius and the latter's allies] I've learned so much more from your letters than from his own words about what is being plotted: about Publius' plans, about Cow-eye's [nickname for one of Clodius' sisters] trumpeting, about their standard-bearer Athenio, about the letters sent to Gnaeus, about the conversation between Theophanes and Memmius.
A. 2.14.1; Apr. 59
You have caused in me great expectation regarding the conversation with Bibulus [consul at the time], about what Cow-eye had to say, and also about that little party they had.
A. 2.22.5; Aug. 59
I hope you will believe this one thing&emdash;that I will explain everything if I see you&emdash;but the key to the matter is when he [Clodius] enters office. If you are present then (since you can lear through Cow-eye how far they can be trusted), I'll survive unscathed, or at least I'll know the score, although given Crassus' urgings I expect trouble from Pompey.
F. 14.2.2 (Terentia and Tullia); Oct. 58
I understand that you have hope for the new tribunes of the plebs. This will be certain if the support of Pompey comes along with it; but I fear Crassus nonetheless.... I beg of you, my life, in the matter of household expenses, let others who are willing and able take up the burden.... I hope that you will send letters as often a possible, especially if anything we've hoped for becomes more certain.
F. 14.3.3, 5; Nov. 58
Although you labor so that I will be safe, this is actually not hard for a man whose enemies wish him to life in misery. Nonetheless I will do as you suggest. I've thanked the friends you wanted and gve the letters to Dexippus and wrote that you had assured me of the favors they had done me.... You say that you will come to me if I want you to. While I know that you shoulder the great part of the burden, I want you to remain there. If you accomplish what you are attempting, I will come to you.
A. 4.16.4; June 54
I will think about what you have written on the matter of Pilia. Certainly the matter is profitable from the reports of Aurelianus. And in this case I'll end up selling myself to my Tullia as well.
A. 4.15.4; July 54
Now here's the news from Rome. Earlier this month Sufenas and Cato were acquitted and Procilius was condemned. From this you can see that the jurors don't give damn for bribery, elections, treason, or even the republic as a whole, and that while they did not wish to see a respected citizen killed in his own home, even this they weren't too sure about. Twenty-two voted to acquit, twenty-eight to condemn. Publius [Clodius] moved the jury by a show of tears during his closing argument.... I said not a word for our little Tullia, who's quite ill right now, feared I would offend Publius.
F. 15.7 (Gaius Marcellus); Sept. 51
For I have always loved and cherished you, and known that you had the greatest love for me through all my changes of fortune, and am always bound to you (as I ought to be) by the many favors your father did me whether defending me in sad times or honoring me in favorable ones, and I have especially noted that the efforts for the sake of my honor and saftey of your mother, a most dignified and perfect woman, have been greater than one may ask of a woman.
A. 7.22.2; Feb. 49
I don't have a plan for the Oppii. You will do what seems best to do. Speak with Philotimus [Terentia's agent or "broker"], or better yet, get a hold of Terentia on the 13th.
A 7.26.3; Feb. 49
Terentia has already written back to you about the HS 20,000.
A. 8.7.2; Feb. 49
I've written to Philotimus about travel expenses, telling him to get the money from the Mint (no one else is paying debts) or from your buddies the Oppii. I will send further instructions as situations arise.
A. 9.6.3; Feb. 49
[Quoting a letter from an anonymous ally in Capua] "Pompey has crossed the sea with all the forces he had with him. These amount to 30,000 soldiers, two consuls, and assorted tribunes and senators along with them their wives and children. He is reported to have embarked on March 4th. They enjoyed northerly winds from that date. Reportedly he wrecked or burned every ship he did not use himself. A letter on these matters was received here by the tribune Lucius Metellus from his mother-in-law Clodia (who did cross)."
A. 2.8.1; May 49
Since Tullia often writes to me praying that I await the outcome [of the civil war] in Spain and always adds that you feel the same and I get the same impression from your own letters, I think it is not inappropriate that I write to you what I feel about the situation.
A. 12.8; Mar. 46
I as that you write what Celer said Caesar said to the candidates and whether he was considering appearing for the election in the Fenicularium [in Spain, where Caesar was at the time] or the Campus Martius [at Rome]. Also, please let me know whether I need to be in Rome for the elections. I have to satisfy Pilia and, of course, Attica.
A. 15.11.1,2; June 44
[Julius Caesar has recently been assassinated. His chief assassins have been offered goverment missions in Asia to get them out of town. They are unsure whether to accept.]
I got to Antium today. Brutus was delighted by my arrival. Then, with many people present at the meeting, Servilia, Tertullia, and Portia asked what I thought was the best couse of action. Favonius was also there.... [Men discuss the issue] When I had begun to say what was needed, standard stuff, that the senate must be called, that the people (already aroused) should be stirred up even more, and that the whole state should be involved, your friend [Servilia] shouted out "I've never heard anyone say this before." I stopped myself. Still, it seemed to me that Cassius was going to go, or Servilia promised that she would have the job in Asia removed from the decree of the senate.
B. 2.3.3 (Brutus -> Cicero); Apr. 43
Our Cassius has taken over Syria and the Syrian legions after being summoned by Murcus and Marcius and the legions themselves. I wrote to my mother and my sister Tertia [also Cassius' wife] to prevent them from making Cassius' great and fortunate deeds public before consulting you and learning what seemed best to you.
B. 1.18.1; July 43
I was asked by a most prudent and careful woman, your mother (whose every worry is directed towards you), to come to her house two days ago. I did this without delay, is was appropriate. When I got there I found that Casca [a man], Labeo, and Scaptius were already there. She asked me what my opinion was: whether to summon you and try to bring you this message, or whether it would be better to delay you and slow your way.
E. Women and Marriage Alliances
F. 8.7.2 (Caelius -> Cicero); June 51
Young Cornificius has become engaged to the daughter of Orestilla. Paula Valeria, the sister of Triarius carried out a divorce without cause on the day when her husband was going to return from the provinces (she is going to marry Decimus Brutus). Her husband has not yet returned. Many incredible things of this sort have happened in your absence. Servius Ocella would have convinced no one that he was an adulterer if he had not been caught twice in three days.
A. 6.6.1; July 50
While in my province I have honored Appius in all ways, but now I find I am made the father-in-law of his prosecutor [Dolabella]. "May the gods approve," you say. I hope so, and I would certainly prefer it. But believe me, I knew nothing. I had sent my men to the ladies at Rome to discuss Tiberius Nero (whom I had worked with) [as a possible husband], but when they got to Rome the deal was already done. Still I hope for better. I understand that the ladies are favorably impressed by the young man's [Dolabella's] respect and charm.
F. 3.12.2 (Appius Claudius Pulcher); Aug. 50
[This letter is addressed to the same Appius who is mentioned in the previous letter.]
Just as you expressed your freindly and generous hopes, I also hope that the things that were done by my family without my knowledge turn out well for me and my Tullia.... I hope and pray this, but I place more actual hope in the wisdom and humanity you have shown than in the actual event. I don't know how to finish up this section, for I ought not to mourn too much a matter which you have yourself blessed, but still it does bother me. The only thing I do not fear is that you might fail to see that what was done was done by others.
F. 14.10 and 14.13 (Terentia); June 47
I wrote Pomponius (later than I should have) telling him what I want done. If you speak with him, you will understand what I want done. There is no need to write more explicitly because I have already written to him. I hope you will write on this matter (and the others) as soon as possible. Take care of your health. Farewell.
Although I wrote you about sending back a messenger in my last letter, I'm not sure what the sense of public opinion would be at this time. If we must fear their anger, keep it quiet.... You will have to judge the situation as a whole and decide what you think is the least of many evils. Farewell.
F. Women and Intercession.
F. 5.2.6 (Metellus Celer); Jan. 62
And when I found out that he [the addressee's brother] directed his whole tribunate to causing me injury, I plead with Claudia, your wife, and with your sister Mucia, whose good will towards me (because of my connection with Pompey) was made very clear in many matters, to deter him from doing me this harm.
B. 1.17.7 (Brutus -> Atticus); May 43
I wish you had written to me about the conditions at Athens; I would have been able to write something to you about my opinion. I am not surprised at your concern for my wife Porcia's health. Finally, I with gladly do what you ask, for your sisters also asked me. I know the man and what he wants.
A. 14.12.1; Mar 44
But look here. Antony has accepted a large sum of money to make up a law (as if it were passed by Caesar) which makes the Sicilians Roman citizens. The matter never came up while he [Caesar] was still alive. What do you say? Didn't he help our friend Deiotarus in a similar way? He at least deserved the whole kingdom, but it shouldn't have been done through Fulvia [Antony's wife].
[Deiotarus was made king of Galatia by the Romans. The often controlled the choice of ruler in small, bordering kingdoms.]
See also A. 15.11.2, 4.15.4, and F. 15.7 quoted above.