Roman Culture & Society CHAPTER 5-3

Art & Architecture  The Greeks heavily influenced Roman Art & Architecture, some refer to the style as Greco-Roman incorporating the Greeks within the genre.  Though the Romans were heavily influenced by the Greeks, there were some differences between the two. One example can be seen on the statues of both cultures. The Greeks did not include any imperfections on their sculptures while Romans statues were more lifelike and included unattractive physical details.

Roman Coliseum

Literature  The most prolific moment of Roman literature was actually reached during the time of Augustus. This time period is also referred to as the Golden age of Latin literature.  Virgil is the most well known poet during this time period. He wrote Aeneid in honor of Rome and it is considered he’s masterpiece.  Horace was another well known Augustan poet. He wrote about “follies & vices of his age.” through he’s poems we are able to get an idea about life in Rome.  Livy, wrote 142 books known as The Early History of Rome, in it he wrote Rome’s history going back to 9 B.C.E.. Although some of his stories are not completely accurate, it still gives us some insight into life in Rome.

Horace

Life In Ancient Rome  Most families in Rome were led by the head male in the family. Known as the Paterfamilias he was in charge of the entire family. If the head of the family was in financial trouble, it was common in those times to sell a child into slavery.  Most Roman households were made up of the Father & Mother, Sons with their wives & any unmarried daughters. Slaves also lived with their owners.  Education was also the paterfamilias’ responsibility. Most roman children learned to read Latin at home. If they wanted to prosper within the empire then they also would have to learn Greek. Greek was usually taught by a Greek slave, owned by the family.

Life in Ancient Rome  As time in the roman empire progressed, the Paterfamilias lost some of his authority. Women wee now able to divorce their husbands. The paterfamilias was also forbidden to sell his children into slavery.  Upper class Roman women had considerable freedom, and independence. They were allowed to travel without a male, although they would be accompanied by maids.  Women had no direct influence in Rome's political structure. They could not vote or run for political positions. - Women were however able to inherit wealth from their husbands and also sell property.

Slavery & Slave Revolt  Slaves in the Roman empire came from all over the Mediterranean basin. Once the Romans would conquer a new territory, they would take prisoners and ship them to Rome were they were sold as slaves.  The most highly sought after slaves were Greeks. The Greek slaves would teach the Greek language, Art & other things to the children of his/her owner.  The most well known Roman slave was Spartacus. He led a revolt that included 70,000 slaves. Although he was able to defeat several Roman armies, he was eventually defeated and crucified.

Spartacus leading a slave revolt