Final answer:
The statement that women in Rome commonly lived into old age is false. Life expectancy was low in ancient Rome with high infant mortality rates. However, women in Rome did have certain roles within their households and some degree of autonomy.
Step-by-step explanation:
To answer the student's question: it is false that women in Rome commonly lived their lives into old age. Life expectancy was quite low in ancient Rome, with a significant infant mortality rate often cited around 50%. Many women did not reach old age due to various health and environmental factors prevalent during that time.
Women's Role in Roman Society
Roman women had a limited role in public life, and while Roman law designated men as the official decision-makers within family units, some textual evidence suggests women in Rome enjoyed a degree of autonomy and were involved in managing households and could have professions outside the home as well.
Life Expectancy and Public Life
Despite some women being recognized for their roles in society, their life expectancy was impacted by the harsh realities of ancient lifestyle and societal conditions, making it less common for them to reach old age.