What Life Was Like For Women in the Roman Empire

The lives of enslaved women in Rome were defined by resilience amid adversity. Imagine a young slave tending to her mistress’s children, her lullabies masking a longing for freedom. Others labored in fields, their backs bent under the harsh sun or worked as artisans, creating the goods that fueled Rome’s economy.

Some slaves, through loyalty or skill, earned their manumission and a chance at a new life. Yet, for many, slavery was a cycle of exploitation, leaving scars both seen and unseen. Despite their hardships, enslaved women often formed bonds of solidarity, finding small joys in shared humanity amidst their struggles.