Dramatization of a True Roman Debate

Characters Senator Cato Tribune Valerius Consul The Senate Narrator

Context: Time: 9 AM, Year: 195 BCE, Place: Conference Hall of the Roman Senate

NARRATOR: In 195 BCE, two prominent men of Rome debated the question: "Should Roman women be permitted to purchase and wear fine clothing and jewelry?" The Oppian Law, passed ~215 BCE, prevented Roman women from purchasing these items. The intent was to conserve Rome's specie resources as it conducted a bitter war against Hannibal and Carthaginians (2nd Punic War). By 195 BCE, however, the military crisis was over. Rome's political leadership had to grapple with an ever increasing demand for the repeal of the Oppian Law. The group leading the verbal protest against the law were Patrician women. Lets transport ourselves through space and time, to Rome in 195 BCE. It is 9 AM on a day which was like any other, except for the clamor and heightened expectations of a large crowd forming outside the Senate building. We find ourselves in the conference hall of the Roman Senate. The hall is packed with Senators, representatives of the the assembly, the two Consuls and other leading men of the Republic. Senator Cato and Tribune Valerius enter the hall as cheers and boos ring out. Both men take their places on the floor of the Senate. The presiding Consul speaks... CONSUL: Senatus Populusque Romanus, We are here gathered to debate the question, "Has the Oppian Law outlived its usefulness and is in need of repeal?" I take pleasure in introducing to you our debaters. To my right is the Honarable Senator Cato, he will represent the "Opposing" position. On my left is the Honarable Tribune Valerius, who will represent the "Affirmative" position. Senator Cato, you may speak first. CATO: Honarable men of Rome, I wish to preface my remarks by stating how difficult it was to get to this great hall this morning. Apparently, the leaders of the movement to repeal the Oppian Law have enlisted within their ranks most of the wives and daughter's of this esteemed audience. You can hear them shouting their opinions concerning this issue. With all due respect to my colleagues, if a woman has any political commentary to offer the Senate, let it be offered in private to her father or husband. THE SENATE: CHEERS !!!!!!!!!!! CATO: No woman has the right, nor should she have the audacity, to express a political opinion in public especially if it may contradict that of her father or husband. VALERIUS: Senator Cato, why do you think these women risk shaming their fathers and husbands in expressing their views on the Oppian Law? CATO: They do this for reasons which are difficult to legitimize. If a woman understood the needs of our growing empire and the challenges it brings, they would not be behaving in this manner. Their behavior indicates to all, who are willing to see, that they do not know what the repercussions are. CONSUL: Gentlmen. I must ask that you refrain from debating the merits of political commentary by women and focus on the issue at hand.

VALERIUS: Consul, Honorable men of Rome. Please indulge me for a little while longer. The activity, in which the women participate, and our illustrious Senator has denounced, is an activity all Roman citizens have had a right to conduct. More so for those in our society that have no other recourse to express a view. The position I represent begs for justice- a release from the grip of an antiquated, and socially detrimental, law. Do I need to remind the august members of this assembly that the law, as written and enacted, is applicable exclusively to Roman women? Non-citizens have no such restrictions placed on their women. Why should the wives and daughters of our allies, visitors, and slaves be allowed to adorn themselves with the finery our empire provides to the exclusion of the women of Rome? Are we the conquerors or the conquered? THE SENATE: LOUD CHEERS!!!!!!!!!! CATO: Gracious Tribune, you are obviously a single man, unattached to any of these women you now defend. Patrician women want this law repealed so they can wear gold and purple to show their high social status. This leads to competition among the women and the bleeding of funds from the purses of their husbands and fathers. Soon, Plebians will share their poverty with Patricians. THE SENATE: CHEERS AND BOO'S CATO: Is this what you want? I don't think this would be in the best interest of Rome. Need I remind my fellow Romans in the Tribunate that Rome is now the dominant power in the region. Our actions, or inaction, on this matter will have repercussions that will transcend our eternal city and our time. A sound fiscal policy will go further in securing the prosperity of our city and its provinces than showcasing the beauty of our women. VALERIUS: Why should we deprive women of the very items they treasure most; their beauty, their jewelry and their clothing? CATO: Why? Because the right to wear expensive trinkets does not supercede the health of the City. No special interest is more important than the interest in preserving our supremacy. VALERIUS: Rome's strength and prowess is based on the physical and moral strength of its men. The repeal of the Oppian Law will not alter this fact. At what point of success do we allow ourselves, in this case- our women, the opportunity to reap the fruits of our success? What is to keep future leaders from restricting the purchase of other items, like commodities, on the premise that our City and provinces will suffer from excessive expenditures? I submit that wearing fine clothing and jewelry is in keeping with time-honored traditions. Would not a beautiful wife and daughter bring honor to the husband's or father's family? Does not a beautiful wife help the husband in many political gatherings by attracting the attention of prominent men? Can't the same be said for fathers who ultimately wish to marry their daughters to the richest and most influential families of Rome? We don't need the Oppian Laws any more. It has outlived its usefulness. NARRATOR: The debate continued for hours, but history knows who won and who expressed the most accurate assessment of Rome's status. Do you know?