During her husband’s reign, Julia Domna did not have an active role in his government beyond her frequent public appearances
We learned in the videos during her public appearances she tended to change her appearance such as wearing wigs and changing her eyebrows. By doing so she impressed the government and became a more active role.
After her husband was proclaimed emperor in 193, Julia Domna regularly accompanied him through the empire.
Julia brought so many allies into this marriage and paved the way for Septimius to succeed. Even providing an heir and a spare she was respected among the region.
She lies there, in her bed all day. From the moment she found out about her husband’s adultery, she lies there, the poor creature, unable to put a bite in her mouth. She has completely abandoned her body to her pain. Her tears are wearing away her days and her eyes and her face are pinned hard to the ground.
It seems like Medea has fallen into a depression after realizing Jason's betrayal. It's interesting to see this perspective because she went from being this proper woman that everyone respected and or feared to this version of herself.
Meanwhile, my mistress, Medea, the Fates fully against her and feeling totally dejected, screams and cries out at him, asking him to remember his promises to her. Asks him to remember the mighty oaths he had sworn for her.
All Medea ever did was for Jason and her to be successful. I am sure it's devastating to see all the horrible things you've done be for nothing after being betrayed from the one you trusted the most.
When she first arrived here, the local folk loved her. They saw in her a perfect wife for Jason. Perfect in every way. She never argued with Jason. Always compromising, always accommodating – and that, you see, is how a woman earns her security: never argue with your husband!
Jason would not have had any power without his marriage to Medea. Because she schemed and persuaded to get to her end goal it's interesting to see from a different perspective.
What is the use of living? Come thunder, come lightning of the sky, come and crash upon my head! I cannot stand the pain! Hades, come! Come Hades and cut down this miserable life of mine!
Seeing this quote from Medea is sad to see because most women we're treated terribly in ancient times. The extraordinary women we discuss in this class all seem to have a sense of power even if they are female. If Medea was truly this unhappy it makes me question if she regrets anything