State and Empires in Eurasia: 750 B.C.E - 5th century C.E.

       This rise in male dominance can be seen in the formation of Empires. Men were in wars to conquer land, and upper-class males were the ones who had authority.  With the rise of the Empire came a rise in more gender roles. The concept of masculinity was becoming more prevalent, particularity in Roman society. Because of this, gender roles between men and women became more concrete.  Upper-class males were seen as a solider and owner of property. This complete power transferred into the home life where the male would have power over his wife, children, and slaves. Sons were highly values, as they could become soldiers. Due to conquest, both men and women were also brought to Rome as slaves at this time.
    
     On the other hand, upper-class women in Rome in the early Common Era lead lives allowing them to control their own finances, participate in the growing economy. "According to one scholar, Roman women of the wealthier classes gained 'almost complete liberty in matters of property and marriage.'" (Ways of the World page 117) 

     With Empires, also came resistance to them. China controlled Vietnam through tax collection, forcing Chinese culture within Vietnam, and even the rights to live stock there. Trung Trac and Trun Nhi, two wealthy Vietnamese sisters from a military family, fought against China after the murder of Trung Trac's husband who acted as an advocate for Vietnam. Trung Trac stated "Foremost I will avenge my country. Second I will restore the Hung lineage. Third I will avenge the death of my husband. Lastly I vow that these goals will be accomplished." And she did. Ruling an independent as co-queens for almost two years over after fighting off the Chinese. The rebellion included over two dozen female "generals" and captured sixty-five Chinese towns. Eventually the rebellion died and China resumed power, it is bleieved the two sisters commited suicide. This acts as an early account of women empowerment. "Men were reminded that women had led this rebellion. 'What a pity,' wrote a thirteenth-century Vietnamese historian, 'that for a thousand years after this, the men of our land bowed their heads, folded their arms, and served the northerners [Chinese].'" (Ways of the World page 124) 

Painting of Trung Trac and Trung Nhi's rebellion against China