This is a paperbound reprint of a 2006 book. Vivante (classics, University of Arizona) presents a history of ancient Mediterranean civilizations from the female side. She emphasizes the importance given to the roles of women in private life, although she also discusses the influence some women had on public policies. Chapters are divided by subject, rather than region. She examines women's role in economics, especially in the home and marketplace. The religious aspect of life is also explored. One often-neglected topic is that of the writings of women themselves, which Vivante treats at length. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)