Imperial Women of Rome: Power, Gender, Context

The Imperial Women of Rome explores the constraints and activities of the women who were part of Rome's imperial families from 35 BCE to 235 CE, using coins, inscriptions, papyri, material culture, and archaeology. It assesses its subjects in relation to distinct Roman structures and offers detailed information in tables and appendices.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 376 pages
\n Publication date: 07 September 2021
\n Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc
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The Imperial Women of Rome delves into the lives and experiences of the women who were part of Rome's imperial families from 35 BCE to 235 CE, during the Roman principate. Author Elizabeth Boatwright employs a diverse range of sources, including coins, inscriptions, papyri, material culture, and archaeology, alongside the often biased ancient authors, to portray the changes and continuities in the pursuits and representations of imperial women over time. Each thematic chapter begins with focused vignettes that highlight imperial women as individuals and their central yet marginalized position within the principate. By evaluating historical contingency and personal agency, the book assesses its subjects in relation to distinct Roman structures rather than as a series of biographies.

Rome's imperial women provide a unique opportunity to explore various aspects of Roman society, including the authority and power of the emperor, Roman law, the Roman family, Roman religion and imperial cult, the imperial presence in Rome, statues and exemplarity, and the military and communications. The book is extensively illustrated with detailed information presented in tables and appendices, including one that chronicles the life events of the imperial women discussed in the text.

When considered over time and as a whole, figures such as Livia, the Agrippinas, and Faustinas, along with Julia Domna and others closely connected to Rome's emperors, enrich our understanding of Roman history and offer glimpses into fascinating and demanding lives. The Imperial Women of Rome serves as a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike, shedding light on the complex and multifaceted roles played by women in ancient Rome.

\n Weight: 836g\n
Dimension: 166 x 244 x 27 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780190455897\n \n