Women rarely held official positions of power in the ancient world but often controlled more than the ancient authors would have us believe. Despite being systemically disenfranchised, ancient women defied kings, supported demagogues, and even ran empires. Learn about the women of the Greek and Roman worlds who subverted norms and wielded power in a male-dominated world.
Examine the various ways in which powerful women were portrayed by ancient media and gain an understanding of the multiple stereotypes by which both ancient and modern women are characterized. Work hands-on with ancient artifacts in the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University and the Rubenstein Library. Through ancient literature and artifacts, discover more about women of the ancient world and their complex relationships with institutional power.
