Some general comments on the legal and property independence of Terence in the light of excerpts from Cicero’s correspondence

Abstract

The aim of this article is to show to what extent independent participation of a Roman woman sui iuris in legal and property transactions was possible during the period of the declining republic. The source basis for the consideration is provided by excerpts from Cicero’s correspondence, which concern the business activities of his wife Terence. Although very few of the speaker’s letters contain information on this aspect of his marriage, they are of great value, as they make it possible to further supplement research into the legal and property situation of women in the Roman state. The analysis of these sources leads to the conclusion that – despite the restrictions imposed by the tutela mulierum – women were able to take part in legal and economic transactions and shape their property position independently.