Women Who Went Before

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.

In a captivating discussion, Dr. Elizabeth Shanks Alexander, a Professor at the University of Virginia specializing in rabbinic literature, dives into the intricate relationship between Jewish women and religious law. She explores whether women can keep track of their own menstrual cycles within outlined laws, revealing how ancient rabbis viewed witchcraft and its implications for women's roles. The conversation also highlights the challenges women faced in navigating a male-dominated system, shedding light on the legacy of those deemed witches and their overlooked stories.

In this discussion, Dr. Caryn Tamber-Rosenau, an assistant professor at the University of Houston, unravels the compelling narratives of biblical heroines Judith and Jael. She delves into how these women defied patriarchal constraints using sexuality and cunning. The conversation explores their connections to figures like Clytemnestra and references to gender performance and queer theory. The analysis also touches on modern interpretations of these ancient stories, emphasizing female independence and empowerment in a historical context.

Dr. Solange Ashby, an esteemed Egyptologist and Nubiologist, enlightens listeners on the powerful Nubian warrior queens like Amanirenas and their roles in ancient warfare and governance. She discusses how Hollywood often misrepresents these strong figures, emphasizing their political significance rather than mere exoticism. Ashby also highlights the importance of maternal lineage in Nubian society and explores color consciousness in ancient texts, challenging misconceptions about race and ethnicity in biblical narratives.

Dr. Thomas A. J. McGinn, a Roman history expert from Vanderbilt University, dives into the murky world of ancient Roman prostitution. He sheds light on how societal norms and laws shaped women's lives, revealing how even empresses like Theodora fought for their autonomy amidst patriarchal oppression. The conversation touches on the parallels between Roman sex workers and comfort women of WWII, and challenges the narratives that have historically undermined women's contributions and experiences. A compelling exploration of agency through the ages!

Dr. Susan Ashbrook Harvey, a professor at Brown University specializing in late antique and Byzantine Christianity, offers a deep dive into how ancient gender perceptions influenced views of God. She unpacks the role of femininity in ancient hymns, showcasing a 2nd-century text that portrays God with maternal traits. The conversation delves into women's significant contributions in early church choirs and leadership roles, advocating for more inclusive divine representations, while challenging historical gender hierarchies in theological contexts.

In this engaging discussion, Elaine Pagels, an award-winning historian of religion and bestselling author, delves into early Christian archetypes and their impact on women's identities. She explores the origins of harmful stereotypes like 'the devil's gateway' and 'bride of Christ.' Pagels also highlights the suppressed voices of women through texts like the Gospel of Mary, unveiling their complexities. With personal anecdotes of sexism faced in academia, she champions female mentorship and discusses how Gnostic writings challenge traditional narratives of womanhood.

Dr. Annette Yoshiko Reed, a Harvard Divinity School professor, specializes in early Christianity and Second Temple Judaism. In this conversation, she dives into ancient Jewish fan fiction and the complexities of ghostwriting in historical texts. The discussion explores angelic fall stories, gender dynamics in prophetic roles, and the nuances of female authorship in antiquity. Reed provocatively questions the implications of misogyny in ancient writings and highlights the often-suppressed voices of women, inviting a reexamination of gender in ancient narratives.