Servilia’s Place in Society

Abstract

Servilia has been viewed as having exceptional political influence. Women were excluded from the vote, office (other than religious), army, and (normally) advocacy. Family gave them a position. They could exercise patronage. They could benefit clients in various ways, inherit them from family or husband, transmit them to children. Clients and friends gave them a network of mutual obligations (officia) and favours (beneficia). Servilia formed her own ties with friends/acquaintances of all ranks, e.g. Atticus, Cicero, Flaminia, Triarius, probably Sulpicius. She had access to the circles of Caesar, Cato, and Brutus, from whom she is known to have drawn allies, such as Balbus, Labeo, Casca, Scaptius. Her wealth gave her leverage and the ability to display herself to advantage.