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They were responsible for looking after the children and maintaining the household. Their other responsibilities depended on the position of their families. Farmers would work on the land, in cities they would help their craftsmen-husbands or work in stores.
In higher circles, they would do their part in adding to the reputation and connections of the family. Since divorce was easy, many women in these classes were loyal to their own family first, before they were loyal to their husbands.
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EzraNone. Women were excluded from politics. However, wives of emperors could influence their husbands of engage in power intrigues to favour their sons in their bid for power, as with Messalina and Agrippina the Younger.
Valeria Messalina was third wife of Claudius. He position was vulnerable because Claudius was old and their son, Britannicus, was an infant. She manipulated Claudius into executing many of her rivals. She tried to have the young Nero (another rival to her son) murdered, but failed. Finally, her plot to murder Claudius was discovered and she was executed.
Agrippina the Younger was the fourth wife of Claudius and Nero's mother. She, too, eliminated or removed anyone at the court who could be a threat to her or her son. She manipulated Claudius into adopting Nero and designating him as his heir. Claudius then changed his mind and wanted to return to favouring Britannicus. Claudius soon died and it is unsure if this was due to natural causes or murder. Agrippina had Nero proclaimed emperor. She also had Tiberius Claudius Narcissus, a freedman in the inner circle of Claudius' court who supported Britannicus, arrested and executed. Agrippina also managed to obtain the title of Augusta. She was only the second living woman who managed to obtain this title.
Women had no role whatsoever in the government of ancient Rome. The closest a woman could come to governing was to advise her husband or son. Some women, such as Livia, did this tactfully and her effort was appreciated. Others, such as Agrippina, tried to command and take over authority and it cost her her life.
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