When Rome was a republic, women were not citizens. Roman men believed a woman had to be under the protection of a guardian, such as her father or husband. Women were thought to be incapable of directing their own activities.

When Rome eventually evolved from a republic and into an empire, women were still under the guardianship of men. However, they earned the right to own property, run a business, free slaves, make wills, inherit wealth, and hold a job. They could even testify in court. Some women were able to enjoy a small degree of economic independence in the Roman Empire.

Although the rights of women in Rome grew over time, they still lacked many basic rights.

In Rome, the family was at the heart of society. By law and custom, the eldest man in the family had the power to rule the household. He controlled all property and had authority over all family members. This man was known as the paterfamilias, or, the father of the family. This would be the oldest male on your father's side of the family.