Women Who Went Before

CW: This episode discusses themes of sexual assault and intimate partner violence.Dr. Rhiannon Graybill shares her research on sexual violence in the Hebrew Bible and ways of reading such messy stories for then and now. We also talk about violent tropes in modern romance literature and Rome's origin stories—and what these kinds of tales do to those who read them.She says, “In our world sexual violence is often grounded in or justified by the Bible, and the Bible is used against survivors of sexual violence. And so reading biblical stories as fuzzy, messy, and icky helps us dismantle our experiences of sexual violence and of rape culture.”Access transcript and episode show notes: https://www.womenwhowentbefore.com/episodes/to-have-and-to-hold. Women Who Went Before is written, produced, and edited by Emily Chesley and Rebekah Haigh.The podcast's music is composed and produced by Moses Sun.This podcast is sponsored by the Center for Culture, Society, and Religion, the Program in Judaic Studies, the Stanley J. Seeger Center for Hellenic Studies, and the Committtee for the Study of Late Antiquity at Princeton University.Views expressed on the podcast are solely those of the individuals, and do not represent Princeton University.

We talk with Dr. Shai Secunda about the Babylonian rabbis’ science of blood, breaking taboos through sex education, and menstruation as a cure for rabies.Today, taboos about menstruation keep thousands of girls from attending school. For Jewish sages in late antique Persia, such beliefs led to laws that required women to stay away from their husbands during their periods and to wash at prescribed times. (Whether women followed these laws is another question!) Blood could pollute, yet it could also purify. And practices around menstruation may have helped religious communities define their identity. Access transcript and episode show notes: www.womenwhowentbefore.com/episodes/bad-bloodWomen Who Went Before is written, produced, and edited by Rebekah Haigh and Emily Chesley.Podcast theme music is composed and produced by Moses Sun.This podcast is sponsored by the Center for Culture, Society, and Religion, the Program in Judaic Studies, the Stanley J. Seeger Center for Hellenic Studies, and the Committtee for the Study of Late Antiquity at Princeton University.Views expressed on the podcast are solely those of the individuals, and do not represent Princeton University.

Dr. Ada Nifosì, a lecturer specializing in ancient history, unpacks the fascinating world of pregnancy and childbirth in ancient Egypt. She reveals why women consumed unusual foods like donkey balls and the significance of mythological figures like Isis during childbirth. The discussion dives into the tragic realities women faced, including the dangers of labor. Myths surrounding childbirth, divine assistance, and the critical roles women played in these rituals provide valuable insight into their societal status and spiritual beliefs in ancient times.

Dr. Julia Watts-Belser, a Professor of Jewish Studies at Georgetown, delves into the lives of ancient women with disabilities. She discusses cultural norms around beauty in marriage, examining figures like the Etruscan Seianti Hanunia and the Egyptian Tapamet. Watts-Belser reveals the complex views on disability in rabbinic literature, touching on ancient marriage contracts and the rights they provided women. The conversation highlights the societal implications of disability, intimacy, and the evolution of women's rights in ancient Judaism.

Dr. Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones, a Professor of ancient history at Cardiff University, dives into the multifaceted role of veils in ancient Greece. He discusses how veiling served as a form of patriarchal control, while also acting as a means for women to express their identities. From marking marital status to signaling piety or grief, veils were deeply symbolic. The conversation unpacks the paradox of the veil, revealing how it both obscured and highlighted women's agency in a patriarchal society.

Dr. Julia Kelto-Lillis, an assistant professor specializing in early Christian history and author of "Virgin Territory," brings her expertise into a riveting discussion on the concept of virginity. She explores how cultural narratives around virginity have evolved, especially in the context of early Christianity. Intriguingly, she discusses how virginity could elevate a woman's social status at that time. The conversation also touches on virginity tests, their historical significance, and how figures like the Virgin Mary have shaped societal expectations.

In this discussion, Dr. Rebecca Flemming, a professor at the University of Exeter specializing in ancient medical thought, dives into the intriguing world of Greco-Roman gynecology. She explores how ancient medical texts portrayed women's anatomy and reproductive health, including the bizarre belief in the 'wandering womb.' The conversation touches on the historical influences of these ideas on modern medicine and highlights the often-overlooked roles of female physicians in shaping health narratives. Dr. Flemming sheds light on the complex dynamics of agency and control surrounding women’s reproductive health in antiquity.

Dive into the life of Enheduanna, the first known author, as her hymns reveal the emotional depth of ancient spirituality. Explore the sensory experiences of women in the ancient Mediterranean, addressing historical silences and celebrating resilience. Uncover Egeria's spiritual journey as she climbs Mount Sinai, showing how ancient women's experiences transcend gender. This journey reframes motherhood and pregnancy, pushing for a universal narrative that honors the diverse bodily experiences of women throughout history.

Dr. Deborah Lyons, an associate professor of classics at Miami University, dives into the rich tapestry of ancient Greek myths. She reinterprets Pandora's story, revealing her vessel wasn't a box in early versions. The discussion highlights how gift-giving varied by gender and the significant roles women played in public life. Lyons critiques traditional narratives that portray female characters negatively and encourages us to celebrate their contributions and agency. This conversation prompts listeners to uncover hope and reimagine women's legacies in history.

Join historian Kate Cooper, a specialist in late antiquity and women's history, as she uncovers the voices of ancient women authors. Discover the emotional depth of Sappho’s poetry and the literary feats of Faltonia Betitia Proba, who adapted classic texts for her Christian audience. Egeria's pilgrimage writings reveal unique perspectives from the Holy Lands, while the narratives of Perpetua challenge gender norms in early Christian literature. This engaging discussion highlights the powerful yet often overlooked contributions of women in ancient narratives.