{"id":9609,"date":"2023-11-01T08:45:12","date_gmt":"2023-11-01T07:45:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.learnancientrome.com\/?p=9609"},"modified":"2023-11-01T08:45:12","modified_gmt":"2023-11-01T07:45:12","slug":"what-was-the-literacy-rate-in-ancient-rome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.learnancientrome.com\/what-was-the-literacy-rate-in-ancient-rome\/","title":{"rendered":"What Was The Literacy Rate In Ancient Rome"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Education in Roman Society<\/h2>\n

Ancient Rome was renowned for its advanced legal system, impressive monuments, and intricate infrastructure. Roman culture was similarly renowned for its commitment to a high level of education and pursuit of knowledge. Education in the Roman Empire played a critical role in fostering literacy, which was an important part of Roman society. Educating the Roman people allowed them to develop a solid understanding of their culture while also gaining the skills they needed to become successful citizens.<\/p>\n

The Roman Empire set the tone for educating its citizens through the implementation of a cura publica, or public school system. This system was mandated by the senate and put into place with the directive of teaching boys and young men the basics of reading and mathematics. The exposure to these subjects allowed for increased literacy within the population. Girls, however, were not afforded the same opportunities and were instead instructed at home by their families.<\/p>\n

In addition to the cura publica, higher levels of education were available to those who had the means. Primary schools taught basic literacy and arithmetic, while secondary schools focused on rhetoric and philosophical discourse. Beyond the networks of primary and secondary scholars, middle and upper-class Roman citizens could send their children to tutors to study higher levels of mathematics, literature, and foreign languages.<\/p>\n

One of the most important precursors to the Roman public school system was the Greek school of philosophy, known as the ‘Paideia system.’ This system had a major influence on Roman education, particularly in its emphasis on knowledge, ethics, morals, and civic responsibilities. This legacy, along with the public school system, allowed Roman citizens to gain an education and be more literate. This formed the foundation for the development of Roman culture, which was based primarily upon a philosophy of education.<\/p>\n