Everybody knows about the Romans, but have you ever wondered how the roman women looked like? How tall were they? What was the colour of their hair, and what hairstyles and makeup trends did Roman women follow?

They may have lived in a patriarchal society, but roman women played pivotal roles that often went unnoticed. They were not just wives and mothers; they influenced politics, culture, and even religion in profound ways.

For example, Livia Drusilla, the wife of Emperor Augustus, she was one of the most influential women in Roman history and played a crucial role in the rise of her husband, Octavian, who later became the first Roman Emperor, Augustus.

Livia Drusilla was a woman of noble bearing. She had a distinctive hairstyle, typically with wavy, pulled-back hair, often gathered into a bun or chignon at the back of her head, wearing traditional Roman attire, such as a stola (a long, sleeveless dress) and a palla (a draped shawl or cloak).Livia had symmetrical and balanced facial features, conveying a sense of beauty and virtue.

In ancient Rome, as in many ancient societies, there was a range of hair colours among women. The majority of Roman women had naturally dark hair, often varying from shades of brown to black. Dark hair was the most common hair color in the Mediterranean region, where Rome was located.

However, it’s essential to note that hair color, as in modern times, could also vary due to factors like genetics, environmental conditions, and sometimes even the use of hair dyes. Roman women, particularly among the upper classes, might use various methods to enhance or change their hair color, including herbal treatments and dyes made from natural substances.

Ancient Roman women often had a curvier, more voluptuous body style, which was considered attractive in their time.

The average height of a Roman woman during ancient Rome is estimated to have been around 5 feet to 5 feet 2 inches (152-157 cm). However, this height would have varied among individuals, and there would have been considerable diversity based on factors such as social class and genetics, much like in modern populations.

The eye color of Roman women would have also varied. Eye color is primarily determined by genetics, and ancient Romans likely had a range of eye colors, including brown, hazel, green, and blue.

Brown eyes tend to be the most common eye color worldwide, and it’s likely that many Roman women had brown eyes. However, due to the genetic diversity within the Roman population and potential gene flow from various regions of the Roman Empire, women with different eye colors would have been present as well.

A thing worth knowing is that Roman women used various makeup products to enhance their appearance. Some of the common cosmetics and makeup items included:

Foundation:

They used a foundation called “stibium” (also known as kohl) to whiten their skin. This was often made from lead-based compounds, which could be harmful.

Blush:

To add color to their cheeks, they used rouge made from natural products like red ocher.

Eye Makeup:

Roman women were known for their distinctive eye makeup. They used kohl to darken their eyelashes and outline their eyes. Eyeshadow made from various minerals was also used.

Lip Color:

Lip color was achieved using various substances like red cinnabar or iron ore. They sometimes applied it in a way to create an ombre effect on their lips.

Hair Care:

Roman women used various products like hair dyes, henna, and even hair extensions to enhance their hair’s appearance.

Perfumes:

Fragrances played a significant role in ancient Rome. They used various perfumes and scented oils on their bodies.

Nail care:

Nail care was also important, and they used dyes to color their nails.

Believe it or not, there were female gladiators in the Roman Empire, although they were relatively rare compared to their male counterparts.

These female gladiators were known as “gladiatrices” or “lady gladiators.” Their presence in the arena was a subject of fascination and controversy.

Female gladiators participated in various types of gladiatorial combat, much like male gladiators. They fought in arenas across the Roman Empire, including in cities like Rome and Pompeii.

Roman women’s roles and statuses changed over time, influenced by the evolving dynamics of Roman society and the broader historical context within the empire. They left an indelible mark on the cultural, social, and economic fabric of ancient Rome.

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