Abstract
This article analyzes the role of Roman aristocratic women in the socio-political life of the Republican period. The study is based on the principles of historicism and objectivity, which enable a balanced analysis of the position of Roman women within the family and society. The research employs general scientific methods, including description, analysis, and synthesis, as well as specialized historical methods such as comparative-historical, historical-systemic, and problem-chronological approaches. The integrated application of these principles and methods provides a comprehensive examination of the role of elite women in the socio-political life of the Roman Republic. The scientific novelty of the article lies in a comprehensive analysis of the status and role of female citizens and their transformation in response to changes in various spheres of life in Ancient Rome, based on a comparison of historical sources. Conclusions. The findings confirm that the participation of Roman aristocratic women in the socio-political life of the Roman Republic was driven by the need to protect family and economic interests rather than by the pursuit of independent political objectives. Their political activity was episodic. Roman women did not possess formal political rights; however, historical evidence indicates that they were able to participate in the political life of the Roman civitas. In the 1st century BCE, elite Roman women sought to influence political developments, particularly during the civil wars and the transition from Republic to Empire. The instability of civil war created new opportunities for noble Roman women, especially Fulvia, who acted more decisively than her predecessors. Social status, education, and family ties enabled women to function as influential informal political actors and as conscious citizens concerned with the fate of the state.
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