With a vibrant new perspective on women in the classical world, Biographical Dictionary of Ancient Greek and Roman Women recounts more than 400 of their life stories. From pagan Greece in the seventh century B.C.E. to the rise of Christianity in the fourth century C.E. and from all corners of the Greek and Roman worlds -- Britain to Egypt, Syria to Mauritania, and everywhere in between -- the women included are notable for their own accomplishments as well as for their family ties. Poets and poisoners, wives and mistresses, businesswomen and slaves, rulers and victims -- all are given their due. The authors have teased their surprisingly detailed biographies from a myriad of ancient original and secondary sources to bring these women, relegated to the sidelines in so many traditional accounts, to brilliant and multidimensional life. - Back cover.