Hi folks! This week we have two intense readings from Roman legend. The thing to remember here is that the Romans told these stories about themselves, centuries after these events were thought to have happened. They reflect part of how the Romans saw their origins, and therefore who they were at heart.

From your perspective, what might they tell us about how the Romans saw the core roles of women in their culture?

Hello Professor and Classmates,

For this week’s reading, I chose ''The Rape of Lucretia''  by Livy because the story really stood out to me, this is also why I chose it for a presentation because women go through this a lot and get no help or support to deal with the aftermath of these situations. The moment that most caught my attention was when Lucretia took her own life after telling her family what happened. It was emotional and showed how much pressure women faced in ancient Rome, even when they were the victims. I think Livy was using this story to show how personal tragedy can lead to big political change. Lucretia’s death sparked outrage that led to the fall of the Roman monarchy and the start of the Republic. This tells us a lot about Roman values especially honor, gender roles, and how women were treated.

The story supports what we’ve seen in other readings about power and gender in ancient Rome, especially how women’s experiences were often tied to political events. I’d like to learn more about how Lucretia’s story was viewed over time and how women of that era felt about it and if anything changed overtime.

I chose Livy’s story about the rape of Lucretia to illustrate that from one person’s suffering can come great change in a whole society; The moment Lucretia says, “Though I may be greatly soiled on the outside my heart must remain pure, as my death will show,” is the line that made me realize this. So the line strikes straight away at idea of inner character as more important than external shame--and shows her death will not only, therefore, be a private misfortune but a public statement on honor and injustice as well. This story portrays early Rome as a place where rules are severe and personal virtue is all important; yet it also reveals that no matter how far hidden something may be, eventually it must out because Lucretia’s cry leads directly to a popular one. It ties in with other readings regarding ancient societies where private wrongdoings often led to public retribution; at the same time, challenges ideas victims have no recourse but silence since Lucretia’s coming forward— and then suicide—eventually sparks a revolution that overthrows a king. I wanted to learn more about how later the Romans remembered this event: Did they hold some kind of ceremony for her sacrifice; how did artists and writers in later ages adapt her story for their own purposes or political ends?

The passage that jumped at me as I was reading the passage was when Tarpeia the daughter of the head of the Capitoline Guard Spurious Tarpeius, opened the gates to her enemies in exchanged for valuable golden bracelets. The Sabines took the opportunity to invade Rome, but the felt such contempt for the traitor that they hurled the bracelets against her and crushed her with their shields for her undignified behavior. This document took place in the early history of Rome somewhere in the mid-8th century BC.

Which reading did you pick? If there’s a reason it interested you, what was it? 

The reading I decided to pick was The Rape of Lucretia. I found it interesting because of her decision to kill herself.

What passage or detail in particular jumped out at you as you read through it? 

Lucretia’s decision to kill herself made me question why, which I understood to be to preserve her honor. It wasn’t her fault for what happened; she had no choice but to comply. 

What do you think the author was trying to communicate?

The author probably tried to show how women valued themselves and would rather die than get scrutinized or live with certain guilt.

In your opinion, what does this document tell us about the time and place it comes from?

The time and place are probably taken in an empty area away from people.

What about this document seems to relate to, support, or even contradict our other readings about this time and place?

I believe the reading is somewhat relatable in how women have self-respect; we’ve seen it in a few articles and passages that relate. 

What would you like to find out more about?

I would like to know more about Lucretia’s thoughts, more than just honor what she thought. Did she think her husband hated her or that her family wouldn't believe her?

The "Capture of the Sabine Women" was very hard for me to read. The idea that these women essentially were taken against their will, had to assimilate into Roman culture, while also rationalizing the act. The men in this story act as if they're animals. The Roman men kidnapping these women from a neighboring region knowing it would risk the relationship they had with that region, and the Sabine men rushing into fighting with the Roman men knowing that they're sisters and daughters were at the mercy of these Roman men.. The women had to walk a very fine line, and I could only imagine what that felt like. How did Roman women react to this story? In Rome women were expected to be aware of politics and have opinions on the state of the empire, being that they're so strong minded, did they feel this story was an acceptable part of their history?

The reading I choose was the “Rape Of Lucretia.” This reading was interesting staring from the tittle of the story which involve power, tragedy and honor. The detail that stood out while reading the story was after Lucretia was assaulted by Sextus who took advantage of his royal power, forced Lucretia to stay silence and to not revealed the attack to her family. After her revelation she made a decision to end her own life by stating “I will absolve myself of blame, and I will not free myself from punishment. No woman shall use Lucretia as her example in dishonor.” killing her self show how Lucretia choose to preserve her honor as well the honor of her family. She rather be dead than been known as a dishonor woman. The connection with “The Capture Of Sabine Women.” Sabine’s was abducted by Romulus for one purpose to procreate and expand the Romans society. Both stories show how women role were vital to the roman’s survival. Lucretia body and Sabine women choices were controlled by men. I would like to explore more about how the rape of Lucretia if this actions had change in men morality?

The reading that I pick was the rape of Lucretia because of the way Tarquinius declare his love for Lucretia and just met her. The way that Tarquinius help himself to go into her bedroom and threaten her with his sword telling her to be quite begging that he's in love with her alternately attacking her.

The detail that jumped out to me particular is the way Lucretia's sense of honor governed her actions after the assault and the decision she made to kill herself, although it was not her fault.

What the author was trying to communicate is the powerful idea at the personal tragedy that Lucretia suffered at the hands of Tarquinius destroying the moral decay of the ruling class to justify the overthrow of the monarchy. The crime becomes a symbol of how private suffering can spark political change.

In my opinion the document is telling us about the values and tensions of early Roman society. It shows that honor, family and reputation, personal virtue are seen as more important than life itself especially for women. It became a political revolution, people was unhappy with the monarchy and wanted change.

This document seems to support early reading about Rome, strong connections and supports idea that Roman society was obsessed with honor, personal virtue and public reputation and the wellbeing of the family and state was completely interwind and it also contradicts the idealized pictures of Roman leadership we had read showing the ruling class is corrupt and abusive with power.

What I would like to find out more about is how the Roman women were expected to deal with issues of honor and shame. How common was it for private events like this to change political in early Roman history.

I selected Livy’s “The Rape of Lucretia,” a compelling story that vividly depicts the intricate themes of honor, virtue, and the effects of tyranny in ancient Rome. This excerpt intrigued me because it showcases Lucretia’s profound battle between her moral integrity and the terrible violence perpetrated against her, an event that ultimately catalyzes significant political upheaval and change within Roman society. The narrative encapsulates deep societal issues and personal dilemmas.

One passage that struck me profoundly occurs when Lucretia, following her violation, speaks to her husband and father, asking, “How can anything go well for a woman who has lost her honor?” (Livy, p. 1). This line highlights the societal expectations surrounding women’s virtue at that time. It prompted me to consider how women’s honor often depends on their behavior and how swiftly it can be taken away through acts of male violence.

I believe the author aimed to convey the vulnerability of honor within a patriarchal society and the disastrous outcomes of unrestrained power. Lucretia’s tragic end powerfully critiques the moral decline present among Rome’s ruling elite. This document illustrates that the era it represents was characterized by significant gender disparities and the tension between individual virtue and social responsibility. The narrative highlights the nuanced dynamics of power and honor in that historical context.

Additionally, this story aligns with themes found in other readings related to the Roman Republic, especially the fight against tyranny. It enhances works that emphasize the contributions of women in prompting political change while contradicting those that depict women as mere passive characters in history. This duality showcases the complex roles women played and challenges the simplified narratives that often overlook their influence in significant events of the time.

I have a strong interest in examining how Lucretia’s narrative shaped Roman law and societal attitudes toward sexual violence. Did her story result in genuine legal changes, or did it simply mirror prevailing social norms? Investigating the influence of this account on literature and legal systems could generate valuable insights into the complexities of that period. Ultimately, Livy’s portrayal serves not only as a reflection of ancient ideals but also offers meaningful commentary on modern issues related to honor and violence.

 The reading I chose was The Rape of Lucretia. This article interested me simply because of the title.The detail that particularly jumped out to me while reading through this was the description and rawness Lucretia feels after the rape. Lucretia is I believe the author was trying to communicate Sextus' motive and execution of his plan. His motive was Lucretia’s beauty and his execution was raping her, furthermore getting what he wants especially by nothing happening to him. Sextus was aware Lucretia would be crucified in the public’s eyes which he briefly told her before leaving. I also believe the author communicates the woman’s pain in the aftermath. In my opinion this document tells us about a time and place where women being raped would cause them; shame in society and not be viewed as honorable. This mentality and behavior towards rape victims hasn’t improved positively but this was a time where being raped made a woman "not pure". This document seems to relate to “The Capture Of Sabine Woman” because these two stories discuss women having something taken away from them by men. The Sabine women had their freedom taken away by the Roman men. Lucretia had an indescribable private action taken away from her as by Sextus. I would like to find out more about how this affected Lucretia's husband after her death. Would this rape have taken place if her hubsand was away in Rome?

Good Evening!

• Which reading did you pick? If there’s a reason it interested you, what was it?

Both reading were very interested but I picked The rape of Lucretia. The reading describes Lucretia as the perfect wife, what a Roman matron is supposed to be. I could recognize characteristics of Lucretia which were shown off by her husband as well as desire by Sextus Tarquinius.

• What passage or detail in particular jumped out at you as you read through it?

The following quote caught my attention was “It was then that Sextus Tarquinius was seized by the desire to violate Lucretia’s chastity, seduced both by her beauty and by her exemplary virtue” which I think describe what was expected from Roman Women (Matron).

• What do you think the author was trying to communicate?

I think the author wanted to show how Roman women were supposed to behave and how Roman men honor them as we found that Lucretia's father and husband took revenge towards Sextus.

• In your opinion, what is this document telling us about the time and place it comes from?

I think it is similar to what we have learnt in the past with the roles of women and men but on the other hand also values women’s characteristics as a matron of the house.

• What about this document seems to relate to, support, or even contradict our other readings about this time and place?

I would say it is accurate of how they described Roman women's role in that time.

• What would you like to find out more about?

Even though Roman women have more autonomy in the private space, I would like to see more in how they intervene in their men’s actions in the Public space.

I selected The Capture of the Sabine Women over The Rape of Lucretia because it offers a more complex reflection of Rome’s foundational dilemmas. What stood out to me even more was Romulus’ outside-the-box approach to addressing a serious crisis. Instead of folding under pressure, he leaned into creativity, however morally questionable, to solve a problem that threatened the city's survival. That kind of audacity, to me, marks him as more than just a founder; it shows the instincts of a strategic and unconventional ruler.

The real turning point isn’t the abduction—it’s what happens after. War erupts between the Romans and the Sabines, and I doubt even Romulus saw this twist coming. The very women caught in the middle of the chaos step onto the battlefield, not as victims, but as the only ones thinking clearly. They literally stand between their fathers and husbands, forcing a moment of reckoning. Their plea doesn’t just ask for peace; it reframes the entire conflict. They push both sides to drop the ego and rethink what loyalty really means, not as blind allegiance, but as something rooted in survival and shared future. And considering the Romans didn’t exactly walk into this with a clean reputation, the fact that the women chose unity over vengeance says something. It’s a reminder that sometimes, what people do after the damage is done can challenge the narrative you thought was already settled.

I decided to read "The Rape of Lucretia." It’s a fascinating story about how a single event can change a culture’s values and political system. I’ve always been drawn to the most basic and important stories, especially those about women. They can have a huge impact on society, like bringing down a monarchy and establishing a republic.

One part that really stuck out to me was when Lucretia, after being raped by Sextus Tarquinius, goes to her male family members and tells her story. She clings to the idea that even though her body was violated, her spirit was not. Then, she kills herself. Livy writes, *“No unchaste woman shall live by the example of Lucretia.”* That line is so powerful and heavy. It shows what the Romans valued in terms of female virtue and honor.

I think Livy is using Lucretia’s story to promote the idea of female chastity and male honor. He presents her death not just as a personal tragedy but as a political and moral turning point. Her death becomes a symbol of righteous anger that causes rebellion. It shows how personal virtue, especially women’s sexual virtue, was very much tied into public and political legitimacy.

This book gives us a glimpse into the very strict gender roles of early Rome. Women were expected to be models of virtue, and their honor was almost completely based on their sex. At the same time, men were supposed to protect that honor and use it as the basis for their authority. Lucretia has very little power in her own story. Her virtue is praised, but her agency is very limited.

Connection to Other Works: This story is connected to ‘The Capture of the Sabine Women,’ where women are again caught between male desires and state-building efforts. In both, women are used as symbols or tools for male political actions. But with Lucretia’s story, there’s more tragedy and self-awareness. She understands her role in the structure and tries to restore her dignity within it.

More to Explore: I’d love to learn how Roman women themselves reacted to these stories. Did they accept these ideas, challenge them, or reinterpret them? Also, I’m curious about how this story was used in later Roman discussions or even in Renaissance art and literature.