Discusses fact, fictions, status, occupations, love, marriage, divorce, habits, personal lives, economic and social status, and influence on the women of ancient Rome.

"In this lively and accessible book, Jenifer Neils offers an engaging overview of the roles of women in the ancient societies of Greece, Rome, Egypt, and the Near East. Sifting through a range of evidence from written and material culture, and focusing in particular on visual imagery, she traces the parameters of women's real lives, as distinct from the stereotypical ways in which they were often portrayed."--P. [2] of cover.

"The Other Half of History" explores an aspect of history that is often overlooked - the history of women. In ancient Rome, political power was held by kings, emperors, magistrates and senators. What role did women play in the vast and expanding empire? By law, very little. Women had few rights, and were not allowed to take part in the public world of law and government. A woman' s place was in the home. But evidence shows us that many women were...