Gavia Severa
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Gavia Severa (fl. 1st century AD), was an Ancient Roman businesswoman in Pompeii. She was a producer and merchant of perfume.[1]
Life and career
Gavia Severa both manufactured and sold her own perfume in Pompeii. As such, she is referred to under the professional title unguentaria.[2] Six amphorae containing ingredients used for the manufacture of perfume have been found with her name in House VII.7.5 in Pompeii.[2]
She belonged to the group of women in Pompeii who is often referred to when it comes to Ancient Roman businesswomen. Pompeii is unusually well documented for a Roman city, and gives a valuable source of information about the professional opportunities of Ancient Roman women.
