ET CETERA ANTIQUA

📝 Classical Civilisation essay, Year 11. Mark: 8/8. Teacher feedback: “An excellent answer, well done.”

I partly agree with the statement.

Source A describes the repeal of the Oppian Law, in which the women “blockaded all the streets and routes to the Forum.” This supports the statement as it shows that the main reason the law was changed was because the women organised a mass protest and blockaded the Forum, pleading with the men they passed. This shows that women only had power if they worked together, as it is very unlikely the same result would have been achieved if only one woman had protested.

Another example of women working together is in the Catiline conspiracy. Sallust describes Catiline’s belief that if all the women in the city could convince their slaves and husbands to support him and overthrow the government, he could take power for himself. This shows that women only had influence if they worked together because they potentially had the power to overthrow the entire Roman government through their husbands.

However, one example of a woman having political influence alone is that of Cethegus and Praecia. Plutarch says that once Cethegus, an influential consul, became Praecia’s lover, “political power passed entirely into her hands”, as “Cethegus did nothing without Praecia’s approval.” This shows that women could have political power alone, through influence over their husbands and lovers.

Another example of this is when Fabia helps to win the right for plebeians to become consuls. Livy reports that a patrician woman, Fabia Minor, was jealous that her rich plebeian husband could not enter high office. She then appealed to her father, who eventually had the law changed. This shows that women could have political power without working with other women as they could appeal directly to male relatives, who could then appeal to other men on their behalf.

In conclusion, although it was possible for women to have political influence alone, without working with other women, it was much more likely for a change to be made with multiple women protesting, as the senate could not ignore a mass protest.