ABSTRACT
Women in the Greco-Roman world, as approximately half of its population, were often overshadowed by the male elites. Unable to leave their own legacies, their lives remained mystified under fragmented artifacts and works of literature biased by male elites’ perspectives. However, while stringent social expectations sought to confine women within the households, such norms were constantly challenged by the ambitious women who sought for themselves greater power and independence. Drawing from ancient works of literature on both historical and fictional figures and referencing historic artifacts, this essay explores the real lives and ambition of Roman women through interpreting criticisms towards unconventional women, analyzing ambitious women in literature who might inspire their female audience, and demonstrating the extent of power that women in antiquity had gained with examples from historical accounts. With both historical and fictional evidence, this essay concludes that women in antiquity not only sought for greater independence but also achieved sufficient power to influence both public and private businesses.
Keywords：Classics, Gender Studies, Women, Ancient Rome.
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