The Role of Roman Women in Society From the founding of ancient Rome to the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century, the role of women changed immensely. The Romans preserved the myth of Rome's founding by providing insight into its attitude toward women, such as the Sabine women, who were said to have shaped the city's ideals with intelligence and courage, intervening to save both families and maintain the peace. Then, as time passed, women exploited changing political circumstances to gain agency and public influence. History then leaves the stories of famous Roman women who left their mark on the empire. In the founding of the city, women had no personal autonomy. In its first laws every family was obliged to raise every born male child and one female child. When the little girl was born, the father had the opportunity to accept her into the family and be raised. If the child was rejected he was exposed to death, slavery or adoption. this suggests that women were not valued. If the child was accepted, she was strictly under the control of her father who had the power of life and death over her. Around 509 BC, the Roman republic governed by male citizens was established. At the beginning of the republic, the patricians enacted laws that went beyond human whim. In these laws, called the Twelve Tables, written in 450 BC, the position of women before the law resembled earlier customs. One law said that women's properties or cases were presented by their paterfamilias. In the late republic, many women were not burdened by guardianship laws. Some used Rome's marriage laws to gain free will. These marriages served to bind families and alliances. These marriages led to many divorces because when political circumstances changed, so did the partner. and share the benefits. As the expansion of the economy grew, women became richer by helping their society. By the time of the empire, upper-class women had exerted great influenceWorks Cited“Roman Women” World History: Ancient and Medieval Eras ABC-Clio, 31 October 2013Vivante, Bella. ' Roman Women and Rituals” Ancient and Medieval Eras ABC-Clio, October 30, 2013 Jestice Phyllis G. “Roman Women and War” World History: Ancient and Medieval Eras ABC-Clio October 31, 2013 Papazov, Svetlana R. "Enrichment Journal - Enrichment and equipping Spirit-filled Ministers." The place of women in the Greco-Roman world. Enrichment Journal, nd Web. 01 November 2013. "Women." PBS. PBS, 2006. Web. 31 October 2013Macdonald, Fiona. Women in ancient Rome. Lincolnwood, IL: Peter Bedrick, 2000. Print.