Historian Resurrects Voices of Roman Women
Why this is here: The book includes a letter between Claudia Severa and Sulpicia Lepidina, revealing a personal connection as the two friends celebrate a birthday—a detail offering intimate insight into daily Roman life.
Historian Cristina Rosillo López published “Romanas,” a book altering the traditionally male-focused narrative of Roman history. The work gathers letters, epitaphs, graffiti, and literary texts to reveal the experiences of women within the Roman Empire.
Rosillo López aims to present a more inclusive history by giving voice to women often absent from major historical accounts. The book highlights the diversity of Roman women, moving beyond well-known figures like Lucretia and Livia to include merchants, artisans, and enslaved people.
These recovered voices detail affections, family relationships, personal ambitions, and political conflicts. Rosillo López argues that including women’s stories is essential for a complete understanding of Roman history, showing how personal projects were integral to the empire’s story. The book is 384 pages long and costs 26.95 euros.