Navigating Power: The World of Roman Women

By Liisa Eyerly

In previous blogs, I’ve explored how status and wealth governed nearly every corner of Roman life. At the center of that hierarchy stood the golden ticket: Roman citizenship—a privilege that carried powerful legal protections and social advantages.

You may have heard that women occupied the lowest rungs of society, and in many times and places throughout history, that’s been true.

But ancient Rome tells a more complicated story.

Roman women were still constrained by cultural expectations and gender roles, yet when it came to citizenship, they held a remarkable position. A woman born to Roman parents possessed the same citizenship status as a man—a distinction that shaped her legal rights, marriage options, and social standing.

Sabina, the sleuth in my Secrets of Ephesus mystery series, lives inside that tension. Though she holds the prized status of a Roman citizen, she must still navigate the cultural barriers that limit how far a woman can push against the system.

So what did a woman’s legal world actually look like in first-century Rome?

Let's take a closer look.

Under Roman law a father was a Roman citizen and legally married to the mother any child male or female—was born a Roman citizen.

Gender made no difference for citizenship status. Because both Roman citizenship and the marriage requirements were met in Sabina’s case, so she inherited her father’s citizenship.

The caveat is the legally recognized marriage. (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Roman_marriage_vows.jpg)

        A mother’s rank could strengthen her children’s status, especially if she was a member of an old, established Roman family.

·   Also, helpful in reinforcing the legitimacy and status of the marriage was being a citizen of a prominent colonial family (essentially a mini-Rome).

·   In many provinces by the late 1st century, marriages between Roman citizens and provincials, from the provinces in Greece, Egypt, Spain, etc., were commonly granted and recognized as lawful. Many provincials were wealthy and powerful, often bringing those benefits into the marriage.

Marriage to a slave was forbidden. A slave was considered property under Roman law, not a legal person, and had no legal standing. Because of this a legal Roman marriage, matrimonium, was impossible. The relationship would be considered contubernium, (a cohabitation arrangement).

  So what benefits did women citizens possess?  One of the most important was legal protections:

• Right to due process under Roman law 
• Protection from torture 
• Protection from degrading punishments (no crucifixion, no public flogging) 
• Right to appeal legal judgments

Education & Literacy- Elite Roman women were often:

• Literate in Greek and Latin  
• Trained in accounting, estate management, rhetoric (informally) 
• Given musical instruction
• Expected to run large households and business affairs

Property & Wealth - If a woman was the primary or sole heir she may:

• Inherit property, money, slaves, and businesses 
• Own property in her own name 
• Control assets if legally independent 
• Her dowry remains legally hers, even after marriage 

But—how much control she had depended on her guardianship, and most Roman women—even wealthy ones—were under male guardianship.

Depending on her situation:

• Her father may control her legal actions 
• If married cum manu, her husband controls her (less common in the 1st century) 
• If married sine manu (more common), she remains legally tied to her father or surviving male family member 

·rThe Loopholes - A smart, respected woman could operate with near-independence. Guardian in Name Only: Elite women often had symbolic guardians who:

• Rubber-stamped contracts 
• Looked the other way
• Were persuaded, pressured, or manipulated

·    

Widowhood typically gave more autonomy than maidenhood. A widow could: 

• Live independently within the household 
• Control personal property (with guardian approval) 
• Conduct business informally 
• Move about the city more freely than an unmarried girl
• Decline immediate remarriage

Women could initiate a divorce. Either spouse could dissolve the marriage by:

• Declaring the intention to separate
• Leaving the household
• Sending a written notice to the spouse informing them the marriage was over

Political Power – women cannot:

• Vote
•  Hold public office
•  Speak officially in court, even on her own behalf, any public influence must be through a male relative or guardian.

Though barred from political power, Roman citizen women were far from powerless; citizenship gave them legal protections, property rights, and social influence that made them some of the most legally empowered women of the ancient world.

Step into the shadowy streets of 96 AD Ephesus, where danger lurks around every corner, and the line between friend and foe is razor-thin. Fortunes of Death, plunges you into a world where faith is tested, alliances are shattered, and one woman's courage could be the difference between life and death.

Sabina, a fierce young Christian widow, is thrust into a deadly game when a wealthy citizen is murdered. With her friend’s life hanging in the balance, Sabina must unravel a web of lies, deceit, and hidden motives. Every clue she uncovers brings her closer to the truth—and closer to becoming the next victim.

This isn't just a murder mystery. It's a gripping tale of faith, resilience, and the power of one woman standing against the darkness

Mystery, murder, and mayhem aren’t your typical Christian themes—but why should secular authors have all the fun solving crimes in ancient Rome? My love of history, scripture, and whodunits led me to blend faith with intrigue, bringing the world of the early Christians to life. Writing from my home in the woods of northern Wisconsin, I also draw inspiration from my travels to Turkey, Greece, and Italy, where I’ve walked the same streets my characters once did. Through historical mysteries, I explore a time when faith was a matter of life and death—literally.

Visit me at my website, on my Author Facebook page,

or purchase my books at:

• Fortunes of Death
• Obedient Unto Death

My Amazon book page

R

Western Hearths: Wild West Breakfasts

Mornings on the western frontier came early, often before the sun peeked over the hills. For a homesteader, cowboy, or traveler along the Oregon Trail, the day began with chores. And nothing fueled that hard work better than a hearty breakfast.

Wild West breakfasts were practical, warm, and designed to keep men and women strong enough to endure long days of work. Although plain fare, breakfasts didn’t lack comfort, and they had a way of bringing families and neighbors together. Some of the most tender moments on the prairie happened over coffee, biscuits, or a skillet of fried potatoes.

A Morning on the Plains

Imagine a homestead kitchen in March with the last traces of winter cold lingering in the air. The hearth fire crackles, and the smell of steaming oats or sizzling bacon drifts through the small cabin. Children stir, and adults prepare for a day of duties like tending livestock, plowing fields, chopping wood, or repairing fences. And on the open range, travelers and cowboys gulped down breakfast beside a campfire before the next ride began.

Meals called upon available staples—flour, oats, potatoes, coffee or tea, lard or butter, milk and eggs. A thrifty cook stretched bacon or salted pork by cooking it with beans or potatoes. Bread came in the form of johnnycakes, biscuits, or flat loaves baked over the fire or in a Dutch oven. Even such simple fare offered comfort that cheered families and travelers alike.

Pioneer Skillet Breakfast

Settlers and cowboys often relied on a skillet breakfast of potatoes, onions, and eggs that cooked up quickly and kept hunger pangs at bay for hours. 

This version was inspired by historical accounts.

Ingredients

• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons lard, butter, or bacon grease
• 2–4 eggs (depending on availability)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: a pinch of dried herbs, if available

Instructions

• Heat lard, butter, or bacon grease in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
• Add diced potatoes and onions, stirring occasionally. Cook until potatoes are tender and lightly browned, about 15–20 minutes.
• Push the potatoes and onions to the side of the skillet, then crack eggs into the empty space.
• Cook eggs to your liking—sunny side up, over easy, or scrambled.
• Season with salt, pepper, and optional herbs. Serve hot.

Tip: For a trail-ready version, parboil the potatoes ahead of time and cook over a campfire for a quicker meal.

Food for Body and Soul

Breakfast on the prairie offered more than fuel. It brought people together. Settlers might gather in a neighbor’s cabin in early spring to share coffee and stories while the children played outside. Cowboys and ranch hands swapped trail tales over a quick meal of beans and cornbread before heading to work cattle. Travelers on the Oregon Trail enjoyed communal meals at forts or campsites as a reprieve from the rigors of the journey.

Sharing a meal nurtured bonds and bolstered a person to face the hardships of the day.

Bringing the Past to Your Table

Recreating a pioneer breakfast gives us a taste of history and lets us experience the comfort of a simple, shared meal. As you make this skillet breakfast, think of the people who prepared similar meals decades ago and remember the love and care often expressed through feeding others.

About Janalyn Voigt 

Janalyn Voigt fell in love with literature at an early age when her father read chapters from classics as bedtime stories. When Janalyn grew older, she put herself to sleep with tales "written" in her head. Today Janalyn is a storyteller who writes in several genres. Romance, mystery, adventure, history, and whimsy appear in all her novels in proportions dictated by their genre. Janalyn Voigt is represented by Wordserve Literary.

Learn more about Janalyn, read the first chapters of her books, subscribe to her e-letter, and join her reader clubs at http://janalynvoigt.com.

Discover Montana Gold 

Based on actual historical events during a time of unrest in America, the Montana Gold series explores faith, love, and courage in the wild west. 

The Children’s Playhouse on Heart Island

One of the first—and only—structures the Boldts got to enjoy while Boldt Castle was being built is Alster Tower. Often referred to as the "Children’s Playhouse," this unique building offers a glimpse into the opulent recreational life of the Boldt family during the early 20th century and illustrates George C. Boldt's imaginative vision and love for his family.

Completed in 1899, Alster Tower was completed before the construction of the grand Boldt Castle. George Boldt, the millionaire proprietor of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City, envisioned the tower as a space dedicated to leisure and entertainment for his family and guests. Unlike the main castle, which remained unfinished due to the untimely death of Boldt's wife, Louise, the family actively used Alster Tower during their summers on Heart Island. 

Alster Tower's design is a departure from conventional architecture created to reflect the charm of medieval European castles. The structure features slanting and uneven walls, ceilings, and roofs, and the deliberate irregularity adds to its whimsical character, making it the most architecturally unique building on the island. 

In Madison’s Mission, Mrs. Boldt rests in the Venetian Room and the Boldts entertain here, too. The Tower’s recreational facilities reflects Boldt's commitment to providing unparalleled entertainment. Its amenities included a two-lane Bowling Alley, Billiard Room, Venetian Room, Library, Shell Room and Theater with a stage for performances and entertainment. 

These features made Alster Tower the center for recreation and socialization for the Boldt family and their guests, even before the castle was ready to enjoy. 

After years of exposure to the elements and periods of neglect, restoration efforts are working to revitalize Alster Tower. The Thousand Islands Bridge Authority undertook extensive work, including masonry restoration, veranda reconstruction, and interior refurbishments. By 2014, the tower was reopened to the public, allowing visitors to experience its historical and architectural significance firsthand. And the work continues. 

Today, Alster Tower stands as a captivating piece of the Boldt Castle estate. Visitors can explore its unique rooms and envision the lively gatherings that once took place within its walls. The tower's distinctive design and rich history offer a fascinating glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the Gilded Age elite. Whether you're an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious, Alster Tower on Heart Island is a destination that promises to enchant and inspire.

ABOUT MADISON’S MISSION:

Step into the captivating world of Boldt Castle in 1903, where dreams are forged in the fires of adversity and love. Madison Murray, maid to Louise Boldt, harbors a singular mission—to care for her ailing mistress while hiding her own painful past. She meets Emmett O’Connor, but just as their relationship grows, tragedy shatters their world, and Madison is ensnared in a dangerous coverup. When Mrs. Boldt passes away, Madison is left reeling, can she move forward? Will Emmett forge a future alongside the woman who has captured his heart?

ABOUT SUSAN:

Susan G Mathis is an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands in upstate NY. Susan has been published more than thirty times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. She has fourteen in her fiction line. Susan is also a published author of two premarital books, stories in a dozen compilations, and hundreds of published articles. Susan lives in Colorado Springs and enjoys traveling the world. Visit www.SusanGMathis.com/fiction for more.

"Big Drunk" Gets Baptized

by Tom Goodman

“The Baptism of Sam Houston” hangs in Independence Baptist Church in Independence, Texas

You’re never too ruined to be beyond change, and you’re never too admired to not need it. 

Sam Houston is a case in point.

At 61, the Texas hero became a believer and submitted to baptism in Ricky Creek near his home in Independence, Texas.  

One old companion of his wilder days winked at his dripping-wet friend and asked if he felt his sins had now been washed away.  

"Yes," said Houston, adding, "and God help the fish down below!"

Sam Houston in traditional Cherokee dress

If it wasn’t for the historical record, you would think Sam Houston was a made-up character in a Texas tall tale. 

He was born in 1793 to Scottish-Irish immigrants in Pennsylvania, the fifth of nine children. When his father died, the family moved south to Maryville, Tennessee, near today’s Smoky Mountains. At sixteen, Houston walked away from a clerk’s job in his brother’s store and disappeared into the wilderness. There, he was taken in by a Cherokee chief known to Americans as John Jolly, who gave him the name Colonneh—“the Raven.” Houston became fluent in Cherokee and lived between two worlds for years.

At nineteen, he returned home, founded one of Tennessee’s earliest schools, and soon after was swept into the War of 1812. He fought bravely and survived multiple wounds. Those scars opened doors. He befriended Andrew Jackson, studied law, entered politics, and rose quickly—congressman, then governor of Tennessee before thirty-five.

A brief, disastrous marriage ended his governorship in scandal. Later, while lobbying in Washington for Native American rights (where he preferred his Cherokee garb to business suits), Houston was publicly slandered by a congressman. He responded by publicly beating the man with a hickory cane. At trial, Francis Scott Key, author of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” served as his attorney. Despite the competent defense, Houston was convicted and fined.

Rather than pay, he fled west into Mexican Texas. 

Matthew Brady's photograph of Sam Houston

He soon found himself at the center of revolution. On his forty-third birthday, Houston signed the Texas Declaration of Independence from Mexico and led Texian forces to victory. Texas made him president of the new Republic, and when the Republic became the twenty-eighth state in the Union, Houston became its governor—making him the only man ever to be elected as governor of two different states. The state’s largest city still bears his name.

He stood six foot six. Weathered. Hard. Not exactly pious. Friends and enemies alike had called him “Big Drunk” from the days of his youth. 

But his wife, a devout Baptist, prayed for him faithfully. Houston himself later wrote that, at first, he attended church only out of respect for her faith. Somewhere along the way, though, it took. And at 61, he sought baptism as the profession of his faith in Christ. Word spread quickly: Texans came from far and wide to see the baptism of their hero. Rufus Burleson, the church’s pastor and the president of the fledgling Baylor University, conducted the ceremony.

He was re-elected governor in 1859 but soon clashed with Texas’s secession movement. Ever the Unionist, he refused to swear allegiance to the Confederacy and was removed from office in 1861. He died in 1863. Among the statements on his tombstone summarizing his life, he wanted the words “Consistent Christian.” 

67-foot statue of Sam Houston along Interstate 45 in Huntsville

Credit: Tiffany Hofeldt for Texas Highways

Sam Houston mastered reinvention long before it became fashionable. He crossed borders, rebuilt reputations, and outlived disgrace more than once. Yet Houston understood that a man may conquer nations and still need mercy. The most radical act of his life might be when he stepped into the water and admitted it.

The Other Irish--Scots-Irish Influence on America

 

In honor of Saint Patrick's Day, I wanted to share a bit about the Scots- Irish, often referred to as the Ulster Irish, who had a large influence in settling America.

   

The term Ulster-Irish refers to Lowland Scots and Northern English who were given land grants during the many wars and uprisings in Ireland in the 1600 and 1700s. England was determined to break the backs of the Irish Catholics by creating settlements of Protestants in Northern Ireland.

Even though the Ulster-Irish were loyal to England, they were treated poorly during the political upheavals to rid Ireland of its language and religion. And like many of the Irish Catholics, they emigrated to the colonies hoping to escape tyranny and religious persecution. This migration began in 1717, with many more shiploads of Scots-Irish to follow. 

   They populated the wilderness areas of Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina, the Shenandoah Valley, and the Tennessee and Kentucky wilderness. The colonial government encouraged them to settle there to create a border between the civilized colonies and the natives. Even though religious freedom was the promise of the colonies, the English settlers disdained the Irish and their counterparts, the Scots-Irish. Moving was better than more persecution. Some colonies passed laws banning them from living there.

         Because these immigrants had lived on rocky, rugged terrain in both Ireland and Scotland, they easily adjusted to life in the Appalachian area. Many became trappers and traders and learned the hunting and fighting ways of their native neighbors.

Like the native tribes they lived among, the Scots lived in clans. Each clan has its own chieftain. The Indian clans had a similar hierarchy. Although there were conflicts, the Scots and Natives developed a mutual respect, even intermarrying.

John Ross- Cherokee Chief 

 Because the tribes had a matriarchal society the children's heritage passed through the mother. So the tribes accepted any interracial child. Because European-Americans recognized heritage through the father, there were several mixed-race men who served in political positions and chiefs of their tribe that helped bridge the gaps between the two worlds.

During the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, and the War of 1812 the Scot-Irish were recognized as fierce warriors. Adapting Indian war tactics, expert shots with the Long Rifle, and the use of the tomahawk, they made a difference in the American victories.

     

  Migrating into Alabama and Mississippi through the early part of the 1800s, they developed a unique frontier culture. A clan-style network between the various villages and their surrounding farms, ready to help one another. And each clan had its own local militia.

         Historical Scots-Irish leaders

 President James K. Polk's Scots-Irish ancestors settled North Carolina.

Sam Houston hero of Texas independent had Scots-Irish roots.

Davey Crockett- famous folk hero had Scot-Irish roots.

Davey Crockett

 

President James Monroe descendants immigrated from Ulster to Virginia.

President Jimmy Carter, Scots-Irish ancestors colonized Georgia.

Not all Scots-Irish were sympathetic to the natives. President Andrew Jackson whose ancestors were Scots-Irish hated the Natives and did all he could to ensure they were removed from the United States. Even those who had assimilated completely into the white culture. The first Trail of Tears took place during his administration.

Did you know? 

About one-third of the Continental Army were Scots-Irish. Their strong desire for independence helped shape the efforts to win the Revolutionary War. 

         Scots-Irish music influenced country music

The Celtic music of lowland Scots had a large influence on American country music. The fiddle was the main instrument and many of the ancient songs depicting historical events from Scotland and Ireland are still sung in the Appalachian Mountians. Bluegrass and early country music reflected their tempo as they began to create their own songs.

When I introduced my children to a video of Celtic music, they declared it sounded just like country music. Absolutely proud to know my ancestors had a hand in shaping it. Here is a sample of their music.

Any of you out there know if your ancestors are Scots-Irish?

Cindy Ervin Huff, is a multi-published award-winning author in Historical and Contemporary Romance.  She’s a 2018 Selah Finalist. Cindy has a passion to encourage other writers on their journey. When she isn’t writing, she feeds her addiction to reading and enjoys her retirement with her husband of 50 plus years, Charles. Visit her at www.cindyervinhuff.com.

I have a lot of irish characters in Village of Women in honor of my ancestors.