University of Waterloo. Date Authors Hill, Rachel Esther Fey. Advisor Vester, Christina. Journal Title. Journal ISSN. Volume Title. Publisher University of Waterloo.
Abstract This project addresses the notion that female sex-workers at Rome wore the toga. The toga was a symbol of masculine responsibility, authority, political involvement, and citizenship. We also consider the Ars Amatoria and other Latin literary sources for evidence of the toga as a symbol which changes meaning based on its wearer, and the wearer as being perceived differently based on their clothing.
In the literature we encounter diametrically opposed archetypes of matron and whore, and understand that sex-workers were able to manage their appearance and behaviour agentively to defy or align themselves with these identities.
We conclude by discussing how toga-wearing asserted personal identity, action, and group affiliation, and is therefore consistent with other agentive avenues used by sex-workers. Keywords sex-work , agency , classics , imperial rome , republican rome , toga , women , prostitution , clothing , rome. LC Subject Headings. Collections Theses Classical Studies.
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