In ancient Pompeian society, as in all societies of the time, men had a central role not only within the family but also in the workplace.
They had decision-making power over everything related to family and work; they could run for office and play influential roles. But not only were they, also, owners of large estates.
Ancient Pompeian society, in short, was centered on the role of the man as the master father; it was the latter who managed the home, family, and work. While their own wives or daughters had no decision-making power, but were subject to the will of the head of the family.
Or at least that was the case for most of those who lived in ancient Pompeii.
But there was no shortage, however, of exceptional cases in which many Pompeian women played a significant role. Not only could they own property, but they also had a certain independence and freedom.
Many, in fact, are the testimonies left on the walls of ancient Pompeii that show how women of the time had an important role in certain cases.
Pompeii’s most influential and important women
Many women in Pompeii could, not only own property and manage their personal affairs, but also engage in trade, crafts, and agriculture. Some women, in fact, owned stores and workshops, such as Eumachia, who belonged to a wealthy Pompeian family.
Eumachia had had built in the Forum at her own expense, one of the most impressive buildings in the square, probably intended to be a market for wool. She also had high public visibility, because of which she tried to facilitate her son’s political career.
Eumachia BuildingBut not only some women in Pompeii also managed to achieve some fame and success.
Such as Julia Felix, for example, who near the Amphitheater had real estate that she rented out; she managed her wealth independently and met many people for business.
Or like the famous Livia Drusilla (wife of Emperor Augustus), who played a political role and influenced the decisions of her husband and Roman power.
Women janitors of the home and family
However, despite their role as businesswomen and prominent figures, the main role of the women of Pompeii was to be mothers and wives. They were responsible for managing the home, finances and children.
Women, on the other hand, who failed to have children were objects of scorn by society.
Of course, in ancient Pompeii there was no shortage of cases of women being subservient to the power of their husbands or fathers. Whose only task was to take care of the home and family, as was the custom of the time.
Just as there was no shortage of cases in which women, in order to make a living, prostituted themselves. One only has to think of the many lupanaries in the ancient city of Pompeii to realize how this role was played by so many women of the time.
In short, Pompeii society was quite diverse. Despite the restrictions, many women of Pompeii managed to find a way to express their independence and desire for freedom.
Learn about the history of these women who became a symbol for Pompeii with our guides, and with them you can visit places that celebrate the role of these women.
