The Role of Roman Women in SocietyFrom the founding of ancient Rome to the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century, the role of women changed enormously. The Romans preserved the founding myth of Rome, providing insight into its attitudes towards women, such as the Sabine women, who are said to have shaped the ideals of the city with intelligence and courage, intervening to save both families and keep the peace. adopted, women used changing political circumstances to gain agency and public influence. The story then remains with the stories of famous Roman women who left their mark on the empire. When the city was founded, women had no personal autonomy. In its early laws, every family was required to raise every male child and one female child. When the child was born, the father had the choice to accept him into the family and raise him. If the child was rejected, he was exposed to death, slavery or adoption. this suggests that women were not valued. If the child was accepted, she was strictly under the control of the father who held life and death over her. Around 509 BCE, the Roman Republic was established and governed by male citizens. In the early republic, patricians recorded laws that exceeded human whims. In these laws, called the Twelve Tables written in 450 BCE, the position of women before the law resembled earlier customs. A law provided that the property or affairs of women were presented by their father. In the late republic, many women were not subject to guardianship laws. Some used Roman marriage laws to gain free will. These marriages served to bond families and alliances. These marriages led to many divorces because when political circumstances changed, so did the partner....... middle of paper ......me before defending him. Women were expected to be courageous in the face of the dangers of expansion. and share its benefits. As the economy expanded, women became wealthier by helping their society. During the time of the empire, women of the upper classes had exercised great influence. Works Cited “Roman Women” World History: Ancient and Medieval Eras ABC-Clio, October 31, 2013 Alive, Bella. 'Roman Women and Rituals' Ancient and Medieval Times ABC-Clio, October 30, 2013Jestice Phyllis G. "Roman Women and War" World History: Ancient and Medieval Times ABC-Clio October 31, 2013 Papazov, Svetlana R. "Enrichment Journal - Enriching and equipping Ministers filled with the Spirit. "The place of women in the Greco-Roman world. Enrichment Journal, nd Web. November 1, 2013. “Women. » PBS. PBS, 2006. Web. October 31, 2013 Macdonald, Fiona. Women in ancient Rome. Lincolnwood, IL: Peter Bedrick, 2000. Print.