women in the roman world

New Testament

History and

Geography

New Testament History and Geography

Women in the Roman World

“We have courtesans for pleasure, handmaidens for the day-to-day care of the body, wives to bear legitimate children and

to be a trusted guardian of things in the house.” - Demosthenes (384 – 322BC)

“Never, while their men survive, is feminine subjection shaken off; and they themselves abhor the freedom that the

loss of husbands and fathers produces.” - Livy (c. 59BC – AD17)


Women in the Roman World

1. While not kept in seclusion their realm was definitely the home

a. Separate women’s quarters in homes were off limits to men, which was primarily meant to protect the legitimacy of children

b. Governed the home in the absence of their husbandi This occurred a lot as influential husbands

traveledii Many women exercised great influence in this

manner


Women in the Roman World2. Progress of ancient womena. Athenian women were lowest in statusb. Macedonian women increased the status of womenc. Roman women gained even more statusd. The wealth of some Roman women often allowed them to

become patrons and exercise great influencei They frequently held civic officesii Often served as priestessesiii Were physicians, artists, musicians, athletesiv Participated in sales, manufacturing and commercial

activities


Women in the Roman World3. Jewish Womena. Not as restricted in public appearanceb. Lower legal status than Roman women

-----d. Women were exempt from various religious obligations due to

ritual impurity and child care, and therefore we read…

“Blessed art thou, O Lord our God, who has not made me a woman…”

- Jewish prayer book


Women in the Roman Worldd. Roles of Jewish Men and Women

i Wifeo Meal preparationo Spinning of woolo Maintaining the homeo Maintaining an attractive appearanceo Influence on family greater than her husband’s

ii Husbando Provide food and clothingo Maintain regular sexual relations (1 Cor. 7:5)o Provide for the childreno Forbidden to strike his wife


Children in the Roman World1. Child Mortality and Exposurea. There was a high mortality rate among infantsb. Unwanted babies were exposed

i Child’s life began when the father acknowledged it in a religious ceremony

ii Too many mouths to feediii First child seldom exposediv Girls exposed more than boys

o Girls meant an eventual dowryo Boys meant an eventual soldier


Children in the Roman World2. Maturitya. Adolescence thought to bring about ability to reasonb. A girl reached adulthood when marriedc. A boy reached adulthood when registered as a citizen at 17


ECONOMIC LIFE


Trade and Travel in the Roman World1. Travel by Seaa. Fairly inexpensiveb. Rooms were only for crew or very wealthyc. Sailed from port to port and primarily during the dayd. Shipping stopped for wintere. Only large grain ships from Egypt ventured into the open seaf. Little risk of piracy under the empire


Trade and Travel in the Roman World2. Travel by Landa. Roman Roads

i Primarily built to speed the movement of military troops

ii Some Roman roads and bridges are still in use today!

iii Roman roads in the New Testamento Via Appia traveled by Paul on his way to Rome

from Puteolio Via Egnatia traveled by Paul from Neapolis to

Thessalonica b. Accommodations

i Inns were filthy and corrupt, usually brothelsii Hospitality was thus a great value


Trade and Travel in the Roman World


Trade and Travel in the Roman WorldAlcantara, Spain


Trade and Travel in the Roman World

Trade Routes that were significant in the New Testament


Trade and Travel in the Roman WorldB. Coinage

BRONZE

SILVER

GOLD


Trade and Travel in the Roman WorldC. Taxation

1. Taxation and Census (Luke 2:1)2. Types of Taxes (Tributa)

a. Tributum Soli on agricultural produceb. Tributum Capitis on other forms of property

i Matthew 17:25 and 22:19


Trade and Travel in the Roman WorldC. Taxation

c. Vectigalia (telos in Matthew 17:25) indirect taxesi Portoria or “frontier dues” most importantii Solely for revenue, not to control production

or tradeiii Collection of these were contracted out to

publicanio A certain sum was agreed to go to the

governmento Amounts above sum were profit for the

collectoro This system encouraged corruption

(Imagine that!)


Trade and Travel in the Roman World3. Tax Collectors or Publicans

a. Publicani were Romans from the equestrian (knight) class

b. The contemptuous attitude toward tax collectors was not due so much to financial extortion as to the perception of aiding the enemy

c. The “tax collectors” in the gospels were not publicani

i Zaccheus and Matthew likely collected taxes on the trade routes through Jericho and Galilee respectively

ii Both were likely under the employment of Herod Antipas

women in the roman world

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