HORTENSIA

"Why should we finance your war, when we have no say in the government, no honours, and no part in public office"

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The Roman Emperor, Julius Caesar, had recently been killed and was replaced by the triumvirs: Marc Antony, Octavian and Marcus Aemilius Lepidus.

They wanted to declare war on their previous ruler’s assassins, but needed finance. So, they highly taxed the property of 1,400 rich Roman women (including Hortensia), with no say in a decision that affected them most.

First, she approached the wives of the triumvirs, to persuade them to convince their husbands. Flavia, Antony’s wife, chose to protect her husband’s unjust decision rather than her own rights, and threw Hortensia out.

Outraged, Hortensia struggled into tribunal and made her case with a memorable speech. “Why should we finance your war, when we have no say in the government, no honors, and no part in public office? We would gladly pay taxes to help protect our country against a foreign invasion, but you cannot force us to sponsor your civil war.” The defeated triumvirs were furious of her large influence and support due to her brilliant reasoning. So, they changed their policy.