And the long road begins...

"Manus, the power of a husband over his wife, was less comprehensive than patria potestas, Even in the Twelve Tables it was fairly easy for a wife to avoid coming under the legal authority of her husband. Independent women whose fathers were dead could inherit property. They were required to have guardians (this may reflect Greek influence), but one clause in the code protects women's property rights against embezzlement by their guardians, thus recognizing women as the true owners of their property. These are some early indications that the status of women in the Roman world would be higher than their status in classical Athens."

-The Ancient Mediterranean World