Roman Daily Life: Family, Education, and Leisure

1. Chapter 15 Section 3 Roman Daily Life

2. Family Life for Rich Romans (Patricians) • Most lived in a Domus- that had marbled walls and colored tile floors, with open courtyards • Some lived in villas in the country side

3. Role of Rich Parents • Rich fathers were the head of the household, arranged marriages for his children • His “word” was “law”

4. Education of Rich boys and girls • Both boys and girls attended school together until age 12. Poor Romans attended school if they could afford it. • Boys- formal education began at age 12 until age 15. Most entered schools of rhetoric or schools of philosophy or medicine. Trained to be politicians. Some were educated in Athens or Alexandria. • Girls- formal education stopped at age 12. May have had a private tutor to give lessons at home. Mothers instructed their daughters in how to be good wives, mothers, and run a household. • Girls would marry at a young age

5. Rich Patrician Women • Had much leisure time • Had slaves to do everyday chores in house • “managed” household • Ran businesses • Read

6. Poorer Roman Citizens • Lived in crowded apartment housing called islands. Some were more than 6 stories high • Some lived in the back of their stores • The higher up you went- the less rent was paid, but most rents were extremely high • Whole families lived in the apartments

7. Poorer Roman Fathers • Was seen as the head of the household and arranged marriages for his children • His “word” was “law”

8. Education for Poorer Roman boys and girls • Attended school until age 12. • Boys- after age 12, they went to work to earn money to help family • Girls- education stopped at age 12, then worked as servants for the rich Roman households

9. Poorer Roman Women • Did own housework • Raised family • Taught daughters to run a household, cook, clean, and take care of children • May have worked as servants themselves

10. Foods • Rich Romans- ate many course meals until they were stuffed full. Most food was very exotic. • Didn’t sit at tables- they would lounge around and their servants would cut their food for them • Poor Romans- ate simple meals of bread, olives, fruit, and cheese

11. Leisure Activities • Roman Bath houses • Shopping • Gambling • Watching and playing games • Watching races and gladiator fights • Most “games” were free to public and put on by the government or a politician looking for votes from the people

12. Romans Then and Now