CHAPTER I

WOMEN'S RIGHTS UNDER ROMAN LAW, 27 B.C.-527 A.D.

Originally women were always under guardianship--But under the Empire the entire equality of the sexes was recognised--Women in marriage--Their power over their property--Divorce--Women engaged in all business pursuits--Instances of women suing and pleading in law--Partiality of the law towards women--Rights of inheritance--Rights to higher education fully allowed--Provision made for poor children to be educated--The Vestals--Female slaves--Remarkable growth of humanitarianism towards slaves under the Empire--Sources