Hapate: A Stenographer in Ancient Rome

This project aims to reconstruct the life of Hapate: a woman living in Rome during the Imperial Period, whose epitaph states that she was a stenographer in Greek (CIL 6, 33892. On this inscription, see Hemelrijk 2021: 139-40). Although there are no concrete answers–as this short inscription is the only record of her–through the application of scholarly sources that detail ancient Rome’s sociopolitical history, I am able to make educated assumptions about her experiences. My research examines Hapate’s occupation as a stenographer, drawing attention to her intelligence and labor. My findings highlight the specific training that an expertise in a shorthand system would require. Her employer would not possess this knowledge, so how much of her work was purely transcribing? To what extent were her own phrasings and ideas incorporated, yet she wasn’t given credit for them? My reconstruction of Hapate’s daily routine is centered around the conclusion that she was enslaved, which would have dictated how she dressed, what food she ate, the legitimacy of her relationships, and her ability to participate in state-based activities. She was economically disadvantaged and was not given political or legal recognition, resulting in an unfortunate lack of autonomy. The majority of women’s voices were not valued in ancient Roman society; women were often dismissed or rendered invisible. By painting a narrative of Hapate’s life, I hope to acknowledge her humanity and grant her the recognition that she has rightfully earned, thereby taking part in the long overdue process of elevating the lives of these overlooked women.