Remembering the Women of Pompeii: Eumachia

    by H. Stauffer      

      On the morning of the dreadful eruption of Mt. Vesuvius at Pompeii, the Roman people lost more than just a growing city, they lost the influential people that made it up, particularly the independent political women.

            One such woman, Eumachia, was an upper class priestess that was a part of an ancient Pompeian family that earned their money by making bricks. Eumachia went on to marry a man who was seemingly rich as he was the owner of multiple vineyards on the slopes of Mt. Vesuvius.

            Eumachia became quite the political figure during the time of Pompeii. She was the public priestess to the cult of Venus, who was the patron goddess of Pompeii, as well as the patron of the “fuller’s” or dry cleaners guild.

            This guild made all of the tunics and the togas of the town. This business was considered highly prestigious and made Eumachia’s family well respected in Pompeii.

            “Eumachia was obviously a dedicated mother, a shrewd businesswoman with a giving heart, and had the funding to back it all up. She will be missed.” Eumachia’s friend Cynthia said of her.

            After the first eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in A.D 62, Eumachia paid for the construction of a building in the town’s forum. This building was then named after her and assisted in her son’s election for public office.

Sources:

Fowler, Robin. "Independent Women of Pompeii: The Political Power of Roman Women | Suite101.com." Robin Fowler | Suite101.com. 2 May 2006. Web. 31 Oct. 2011. https://robinfowler.suite101.com/independentwomenpompeii2-a1535.