In their own image: The evidence for the integration of freedwomen into Roman society, during the first century BCE and first century CE

Shambrook, B. (2011). In their own image: The evidence for the integration of freedwomen into Roman society, during the first century BCE and first century CE. https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:820

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Details:

Title

In their own image: The evidence for the integration of freedwomen into Roman society, during the first century BCE and first century CE

Author
Shambrook, Brianna
Call Number

LE3 .A278 2011

Date

2011

Supervisor

Hewitt, Sonia

Degree Grantor

Acadia University

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Degree Level

Honours

Discipline

Classics

Affiliation

History & Classics

Abstract

As former slaves, freedwomen were severely undervalued in Rome’s freeborn society. The literary sources derived from Rome’s elite class have created a negative stereotype that undermines the values and efforts of freedmen and freedwomen. This thesis shows how freedwomen were able to create a positive identity in Rome’s class-conscious society, despite elitist attitudes. Through the analysis of recent scholarship on the lower classes and ancient sources, such as epitaphs and funerary art, this study demonstrates how freedwomen successfully established themselves after servility. The results of this study show that by supplying the freedwomen perspective, missing throughout these sources, we are able to reconsider the social history of Rome’s lower class.

Rights

The author retains copyright in this thesis. Any substantial copying or any other actions that exceed fair dealing or other exceptions in the Copyright Act require the permission of the author.

Permanent Link

https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:820

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