About the book
Expanding the discussion of religious participation of women in ancient Rome, Celia E. Schultz demonstrates that in addition to observances of marriage, fertility, and childbirth, there were more — and more important — religious opportunities available to Roman women than are commonly considered.
Based on research in ancient literature, inscriptions, and archaeological remains from the fifth to the first century B.C.E., Schultz’s study shows that women honored gods unaffiliated with domestic matters, including Hercules and Jupiter; they took part in commercial, military, and political rites; they often worshipped alongside men; and they were not confined to the private sphere, the traditional domain of women. The Vestal Virgins did not stand alone but were instead the most prominent members of a group of women who held high-profile religious positions: priestesses of Ceres, Liber, and Venus; the flaminica Dialis and the regina sacrorum; other cult officials; and aristocratic matrons who often took leading roles in religious observances even though they were not priestesses. Schultz argues that women were vital participants — both professional and nonprofessional — in the religion of the Roman Republic and that social and marital status, in addition to gender, were important factors in determining their opportunities for religious participation in the public sphere.
Editions of Women's Religious Activity in the Roman Republic
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807830185
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781469668802
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807877258
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890880543
Read an Excerpt
Expanding the discussion of religious participation of women in ancient Rome, Celia E. Schultz demonstrates that in addition to observances of marriage, fertility, and childbirth, there were more — and more important — religious opportunities available to Roman women than are commonly considered.
Based on research in ancient literature, inscriptions, and archaeological remains from the fifth to the first century B.C.E., Schultz’s study shows that women honored gods unaffiliated with domestic matters, including Hercules and Jupiter; they took part in commercial, military, and political rites; they often worshipped alongside men; and they were not confined to the private sphere, the traditional domain of women. The Vestal Virgins did not stand alone but were instead the most prominent members of a group of women who held high-profile religious positions: priestesses of Ceres, Liber, and Venus; the flaminica Dialis and the regina sacrorum; other cult officials; and aristocratic matrons who often took leading roles in religious observances even though they were not priestesses. Schultz argues that women were vital participants — both professional and nonprofessional — in the religion of the Roman Republic and that social and marital status, in addition to gender, were important factors in determining their opportunities for religious participation in the public sphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Women's Religious Activity in the Roman Republic about?
Expanding the discussion of religious participation of women in ancient Rome, Celia E. Schultz demonstrates that in addition to observances of marriage, fertility, and childbirth, there were more — and more important — religious opportunities available to Roman women than are commonly considered.
Based on research in ancient literature, inscriptions, and archaeological remains from the fifth to the first century B.C.E., Schultz’s study shows that women honored gods unaffiliated with domestic matters, including Hercules and Jupiter; they took part in commercial, military, and political rites; they often worshipped alongside men; and they were not confined to the private sphere, the traditional domain of women. The Vestal Virgins did not stand alone but were instead the most prominent members of a group of women who held high-profile religious positions: priestesses of Ceres, Liber, and Venus; the flaminica Dialis and the regina sacrorum; other cult officials; and aristocratic matrons who often took leading roles in religious observances even though they were not priestesses. Schultz argues that women were vital participants — both professional and nonprofessional — in the religion of the Roman Republic and that social and marital status, in addition to gender, were important factors in determining their opportunities for religious participation in the public sphere.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Women's Religious Activity in the Roman Republic?
History and Archaeology > History > European history > European history: the Romans
Where can I read a sample of Women's Religious Activity in the Roman Republic?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807830185
How long is Women's Religious Activity in the Roman Republic and how many pages does it have?
Women's Religious Activity in the Roman Republic has 248 page(s)
Is Women's Religious Activity in the Roman Republic part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Studies in the History of Greece and Rome
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Women's Religious Activity in the Roman Republic?
Celia E. Schultz
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Women's Religious Activity in the Roman Republic is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807830185) and paperback(ISBN 9781469668802) and ebook(ISBN 9780807877258) and pdf(ISBN 9798890880543)
Where can I buy Women's Religious Activity in the Roman Republic online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Women's Religious Activity in the Roman Republic from below
Where can I buy Women's Religious Activity in the Roman Republic?