Women Who Went Before

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.

Dr. Sarit Kattan Gribetz, an associate professor of theology at Fordham University with expertise in ancient Judaism and gender, uncovers the overlooked contributions of women throughout history. She discusses how language and biases have obscured women’s roles in biblical texts and historical narratives. Delving into female scribes and specific figures like Rav Hisda's daughter, she highlights the systemic erasure of women’s stories and the importance of inclusive storytelling in reshaping our understanding of the past.

Explore the intriguing absence of women from ancient history textbooks and why their stories matter. Discover the powerful narrative of Perpetua, a North African woman whose prison diary offers a rare glimpse into the experiences of women in antiquity. The hosts analyze patriarchal narratives that have shaped historical perceptions, diving into the complexities of gender from ancient times to modern implications. This journey aims to reclaim the voices of ordinary women and highlight their significant yet overlooked roles in shaping history.