Four Sisters TedEd Video

Why is it difficult for historians to trace a Roman family's ancestry through Roman women?

• Roman women were left out of the historical record all together.

• Roman marriage certificates did not wives, they only named husnands.

• Unlike men, Roman women only had one name therefore it is difficult to tell who is who.

What are places a Roman woman would NOT be allowed to go to?

• Roman women were not allowed to go to the porticos with gardens and sculptures.

• Roman women were not allowed to go to law courts, the forum, or the senate house.

• Roman women were never allowed to go to the baths.

How could you tell that an ancient Roman woman was betrothed or engaged to be married?

• She wore all the gifts and jewelry given to her by the man she will marry.

• She would move into the home of her fiancee's family.

• Her sisters would announce it to everyone publically.

How would Domitia II be able to view a gladiatorial fight?

• Due to her family's status, Domitia II would be able to sit near the emperor during a gladiatorial show.

• Domitia II could watch a gladiatorial fight, but she would have to sit at the highest level of the Colosseum.

• Under no circumstances would she able to watch a gladiatorial fight.

According to Roman culture, what made a "successful" wife?

• A woman who could read and write in Latin.

• A woman who gave birth to children and carried on the family name.

• A woman who worked and contributed to the family finances.