Question

in regards to the twelve tables

how did roman law treat women in comparison to men? what did this difference mean for roman society?

in what ways did these laws protect the roman idea of patriarchy or the rule of the oldest male within a family?

Answer 1

The law of Twelve tables was the basic foundation for ancient Roman legal system. These laws were written so that the common people (plebians) know the rules and laws, and live by it.

These Roman laws gave men authority and power, and made women to be undere the guardianship of the head of the family. Women were considered to be lacking seriousness of mind while making decisions, hence the right to decide over familial matters was given to the guardians(the male heads). They were also abstained from voting, and taking part in politics due to this levity of mind. This Roman society gave less importance to women and favored and promoted the men's status in the society. The men enjoyed the supreme authority over all matters of family and society. The role of women was limited to be as caretakers of their under the guardianship of the male head.

These laws gave male heads of the family the right to decide for inheritance and matters regarding their children. They could sell their children,. Only sons inherited their fathers property, and it was an absolute power of roman fathers to whom the property be given. The guardianship was not transferred to a female head, if the male guardian has deceased and had no legal heir. In such cases the guardianship and inheritance of property was transferred to the nearest male relative of the deceased guardian. Thus, these laws ensured the dominance of men in the society and made women to be subject under them by limiting them with only the responsibilities of the house holds.