{"id":9796,"date":"2023-10-31T14:10:15","date_gmt":"2023-10-31T13:10:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.learnancientrome.com\/?p=9796"},"modified":"2023-10-31T14:10:15","modified_gmt":"2023-10-31T13:10:15","slug":"what-was-the-average-life-expectancy-in-ancient-rome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.learnancientrome.com\/what-was-the-average-life-expectancy-in-ancient-rome\/","title":{"rendered":"What Was The Average Life Expectancy In Ancient Rome"},"content":{"rendered":"
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In ancient Rome, life expectancy was much lower than what we know today. Although it is impossible to provide an exact figure for life expectancy, studies suggest a median age of death of around 20 years old. This life expectancy was even lower for those of the lower classes due to lack of access to proper healthcare. Men and women lived very different lives in ancient Rome, each with their own norms and expectations for their respective genders.<\/p>\n

The average life expectancy for men in ancient Rome was approximately 40-45 years. This was attributed to better opportunities for men in terms of education, employment and political power. Additionally, men were much more likely to enter the military, exposing them to dangerous conditions, further reducing their expected life span. In addition, it is believed that most men died during battle, through acts of war or political executions.<\/p>\n

Women in ancient Rome had a significantly shorter life expectancy than their male counterparts, often living until their early twenties. Many factors could have contributed to this shorter life expectancy, such as having to work much longer hours than men in order to provide for the family’s needs. Moreover, women had less access to healthcare, as well as higher risks of developing complications during childbirth, which inevitably lead to lower life expectancy.<\/p>\n

Despite the low overall life expectancy, past records suggest that some individuals were able to live far past the average age, reaching up to approximately 70 years of age. This could be attributed to the exceptional care for the wealthy, as well as their superior nutrition and access to medical aid. Additionally, people of all classes could benefit from the prevailing system of healthcare in ancient Rome, which included private physicians, hospitals and clinics.<\/p>\n