{"id":1267,"date":"2023-02-24T09:02:47","date_gmt":"2023-02-24T08:02:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.learnancientrome.com\/?p=1267"},"modified":"2023-02-24T09:02:47","modified_gmt":"2023-02-24T08:02:47","slug":"how-did-ancient-romans-view-suicide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.learnancientrome.com\/how-did-ancient-romans-view-suicide\/","title":{"rendered":"How did ancient romans view suicide?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The ancient Romans had a complex and nuanced view on suicide. While it was generally frowned upon and seen as a selfish act, there were certain circumstances where suicide was seen as permissible, such as in the case of a discharge from military service or to avoid shame and disgrace. In general, the ancient Romans viewed suicide as a cowardly act, but one that could be understood under certain circumstances.<\/p>\n

The ancient Romans believed that suicide was a way to escape from dishonor or difficult circumstances. A person who committed suicide was sometimes viewed as heroic because they chose to die rather than to live in a situation that was too difficult to bear.<\/p>\n

How common was suicide in ancient Rome? <\/h2>\n

The world of ancient Rome was one in which suicide was extremely common. Many people, sometimes prominent figures like Seneca the Younger, had to choose to commit suicide in order to maintain their honour. For the Romans, killing oneself was seen as a sign of great courage and a way to preserve one’s honour.<\/p>\n

In ancient Greece, suicide was considered a disgraceful act. A person who had committed suicide thus did not receive the death rites accorded common citizens. Life was considered a gift bestowed by the Gods, and life and death was subjected to the will of the Gods.<\/p>\n

Was suicide common in Rome <\/h3>\n