Roman Women’s Dirty Secrets: Power, Abuse, and Oppression

In ancient Rome, women faced harsh realities under a patriarchal system. They had limited legal rights, often treated as property in marriage, and their lives were controlled by male guardians. Women were expected to maintain sexual purity, but sexual exploitation was rampant, with many pushed into prostitution. Female infants were vulnerable to abandonment or exposure, and infidelity was harshly punished. Sexual violence against women, especially slaves, was common, with little legal recourse. Women also faced accusations of witchcraft, and their worth was often defined by their ability to bear male heirs. Social and legal restrictions severely limited their freedoms.

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