From Good Goddess to Vestal Virgins: Sex and Category in Roman Religion

by Ariadne Staples

Overview

Ariadne Staples provides an arresting and original analysis of the role of women in Roman society, which challenges traditionally held views and provokes further questions.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415518949
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	08/15/2014
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	217
Product dimensions:	5.44(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

Introduction; Part 1 The Cult of Bona Dea; Chapter 1 The Cult of Bona Dea; Part 2 The Cults of Ceres and Flora; Chapter 2 Ceres and Flora; Part 3 Venus’ Role in Roman Religion; Chapter 3 Venus; Part 4 The Vestals and Rome; Chapter 4 The Uses of Virginity;

Editorial Reviews

Arguing that the civic religion provided the single public arena where women played a significant formal role, the author examines how women in Rome were perceived by themselves and by men. She contends that the roles women played in the Roman religious rituals, such as those of Bona Dea, Ceres, Flora, Venus and Vesta, defined them sexually and that sexually-defined categories spilled over into other aspects of Roman culture, including political activity. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

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