Research PaperThe Forgotten Half of HistoryWomen of ancient civilizations could be considered the backbone of today's women. Women are often seen as inferior to men and their vital role in the development of ancient civilizations. Women have played many vital roles throughout history. Women in all ancient civilizations faced the same difficulties, prejudices and struggles. Two specific ancient civilizations, which had similar aspects, were Ancient Egypt and Ancient Rome. In both of these ancient civilizations, women played important roles, helping to shape society. In ancient Rome, many women lived different lives. These included women who married ordinary men and women who were related to royals or who married rich aristocrats with a lot of power. In ancient Rome, women shared many of the same lifestyles as Egyptian women, but those lifestyles were somewhat worse. This was because women were subject to stricter laws. Although the two ancient civilizations are very similar, the role of women in ancient Egypt compared to women in ancient Rome was greater because Egyptian women could play a greater role in the family, had more opportunities economic, more political rights and played an important role in religion. In ancient Egypt, women shared the same legal and economic rights as men. Women were able to own land, slaves, and could obtain property for themselves in several ways. It was really interesting because few women were entitled to these privileges. In ancient Egypt, the majority of pharaohs were men. The Pharaohs... middle of paper ...... Ptian women had more political freedoms, economic opportunities, and played an important role in religion and in the family. In ancient Egypt, women enjoyed greater freedom within the family and more independent freedom of movement than women in ancient Rome. Indeed, Egyptian women were able to express their feelings and do more things on their own than in ancient Rome. Additionally, ancient Rome did not have as many rights as a wife as in ancient Egypt. Furthermore, Egyptian women were able to express more political freedoms, more economic opportunities, and an important religious role than in ancient Rome, where their speech and rights were more limited. Although women had more rights and freedoms in Egypt than in Rome, they made a huge impression on societies and civilizations. Women have had a tremendous impact on ancient history and have changed today's society in many ways..