Introduction
Growing up in Ancient Rome was a unique and diverse experience. It was a span of history with a varied and dynamic culture, influential politics and a rich, complex history. What was it really like to grow up in such a place at the time? Here,we provide a meal description of life for children during this period.
Family, Education and Religion
The role of a family in Rome was important for citizens. Most children lived in nuclear, extended or blended families at the time. Family life was centred around the father, who had legal control over his family, and were responsible for their religious and moral education. Children were taught about traditional Roman values such as duty, honour and heroism.
Education was widespread in the Roman Empire and provided by either the family or a school. This included literacy, numeracy and moral education. Children would learn literature, poetry, speech and basic arithmetic. Religion was an integral part of everyday life. Roman children would have been expected to attend religious ceremonies, offer sacrifices and participate in festivals.
Work and Play
The lives of young Romans were full of work and play. Boys accompanied their fathers to their jobs or learnt crafts such as carpentry, masonry and pottery. Girls would have helped with domestic activities such as cooking, cleaning and sewing. Playtime was often dominated by physical activities such as racing, ball games and skill tests. Roman children were also well known for their love of gladiatorial games and chariot racing.
Child Marriage and Adoption
Child marriage in Ancient Rome was common, with boys marrying at the age of 14 and girls at the age of 12. Girls were often betrothed at a much younger age to ensure proper parenting during their childhood. Adoption was also prevalent in the Roman Empire. This was often done to ensure the proper functioning of succession and inheritance.
Clothing and Personal Hygiene
Clothing in Ancient Rome was simple, with garments of wool, sometimes mixed with linen. Children usually wore one or two simple togas or tunics. Shoes were made of leather. Personal hygiene was important, with some households having public baths and private baths.
Entertainment and Public Life
Music and theatre plays were popular among Roman children. They often played games such as knucklebones and dice. Children in Ancient Rome also had access to public life, with boys sometimes participating in political life such as voting and public meetings, while girls rarely participated in public affairs.
Safety and Health
Safety and health were big concerns in Ancient Rome. Social unrest, wars, and a lack of medical care meant that many children did not survive to adulthood. Education, clothing and diet in the Roman Empire shared similarities with other ancient societies, but safety and health were not always a guarantee.
Conclusion
Growing up in Ancient Rome was a diverse and unique experience for children. The role of family, education, religion and public life were important aspects of life during this period. Children were involved in work, play, and entertainment, and had some degree of access to public life. However, safety and health risks were present, and many children did not survive to adulthood.
