Cornelia, the most conservative and transgressive mother of the Roman world

Cornelia is one of the most famous women in the Roman world: she was no ordinary woman, although she reflected all of the characteristics the Romans believed a woman should have. Firstly, in contrast to what usually occurred, she is remembered in an inscription as Africani filia, Gracchorum mater rather than as a wife; secondly, her role as a mother is considered exceptional both due to the number of children she had and the fact that, unlike other mothers of her time, she treasured her children, considering them to be her jewels (Val. Max. 4.4.pr.); thirdly, the education that she provided for her children was uncommon (Cic. Brut. 27.104 and 58.211; Quint. 1.1.6; Tac. dial. 28.3-6; Plut. Tib. 8.6-7). Due to these characteristics, Cornelia is depicted as an exceptional woman, a woman who showed typically masculine strength and determination; in view of this, is it really correct to think that Cornelia was chosen in the Roman world as a model for other mothers? With regard to the distinction made by S.S. Sered, is the Cornelia portrayed in sources written by men a “symbol”, an “agent” or both? My paper will try to answer these questions.