History Extra podcast cover image

History Extra podcast

Re-examining women in the Roman empire

Oct 10, 2023
Historian Kate Cooper explores the lives of women in the Roman empire through the lens of St Augustine of Hippo's Confessions. She discusses four women - Augustine's mother, his lover, his fiancée, and the Roman empress Justina - shedding light on their experiences. Topics include Augustine's family stories, his emphasis on humility, Roman family planning for marriages, and challenging societal norms.
44:50

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Quick takeaways

  • Augustine’s Confessions provides unique insights into the lives of women in the late Roman empire.
  • Monica's stories highlight the themes of humility, navigating difficult circumstances, and the value of marginalized perspectives.

Deep dives

The Influence of St. Augustine and His Focus on Family Dynamics

St. Augustine is an influential figure in Latin Christian tradition, known for his work as a Christian thinker and bishop. His experiences in pastoral work and his close relationship with his mother sparked his interest in family dynamics. Augustine viewed his family stories and experiences as a valuable source for understanding human behavior. Through his confessions, he explores the lives of women in the late Roman Empire, including his mother, lover, fiancée, and the Roman Empress Justina.

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