Most of what we know about ancient Rome comes from literature that was written by and about Roman upper- class males. Therefore, we know much less about women, plebeians, freedmen, and slaves. We do know that there were a variety of “Romans.” They were of many ethnicities, they were rich or poor, and they were city dwellers or country townspeople. Roman Society Patricians – Upper Class Plebeians – Lower Class Freedmen and Freedwomen – Lower Class Slaves – Lower Class Click Me

Familia Romana A child below the age of 7 was called an infans. Later, children were called liberi, probably because they were “free” from responsibility! The family was under the control of the paterfamilias (father of the family).

The mother was called mater. Soror was sister. Frater was brother. Filius was son. Filia was daughter. Avus and avia were grandfather and grandmother.

Interesting Facts After birth, the newborn baby was placed on the floor. The paterfamilias would pick the child up as a sign of his acceptance. If the paterfamilias did not pick the child up, she or he was considered an outcast without a family. The paterfamilias had absolute rule over his household and children. If they angered him, he had the legal right to disown his children, sell them into slavery, or even kill them.

Around 25% of babies in the first century AD did not survive their first year and up to half of all children would die before the age of 10. As a result, the Roman state gave legal rewards to women who had successfully given birth. After three live babies (or four children for former slaves), women were recognized as legally independent. For most women, only at this stage could they own land, conduct business, etc.

Superstitious Romans

A bulla was a bubble-shaped pouch made of metal, leather, or cloth. Children wore it around their neck. Placed inside of the bulla were lucky charms or amulets. Romans believed the bulla would ward off evil spirits and disease.

Interesting Facts Children with birth defects were often abandoned. Many female children were abandoned for financial reasons. Some fathers may have not been able to pay their daughter’s dowry* *Dowry - a sum of money given by a father to his son-in-law to help pay for the upkeep of a new wife.

School Privileged Roman boys had many educational options, and some girls did too, depending on what social class they were in. Less financially secure children were often educated at home. If a father had enough money, he could pay to send his son to school. Public schools in Rome were not free.

Roman Curriculum Latin Greek Rhetoric and public speaking Logic Grammar Arithmetic Reading and writing Astronomy Music Art

Games and Activities Dice and knucklebones Wrestling Swimming Hunting Horseback riding Board/strategy games Ball games Dolls

Life for Roman Women Men dominated the social, political, financial, and military areas of life. They discouraged participation by women. Women were not allowed to vote or hold public office. If her paterfamilias chose, a young girl from a wealthy family could attend school along with her brothers. Otherwise, she was turned over to her mother for training in domestic arts.

Girls Will Be Girls Roman women wore wigs and hair extensions. They also dyed their hair—red was the most desirable color. Women curled their hair with curling irons, and they used perfume and makeup. Women wore necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Wealthy women would wear gold, whereas a lower class woman might wear bronze jewelry.

Manhood For a boy, his childhood ended around age 16 or 17. Wealthy families would have an elaborate celebration for this—a coming-of-age ceremony, the Juvenalia, instituted by Emperor Nero. From 16-25, males were usually preparing for their career, the military, or some kind of trade like carpentry or farming. During the Empire, men who were unmarried by 25 had to pay a fine!

Womanhood A Roman girl’s childhood ended at puberty, when she was biologically capable of producing children. Her wedding served as her coming-of-age ceremony. The life of a woman was characterized by taking care of a household.

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