Chapter 15 Section 3

Roman Daily Life

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

Role of Rich Parents

Rich fathers were the head of the household, arranged marriages for his children

His “word” was “law”

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

Rich Patrician Women

Had much leisure time Had slaves to do everyday chores in house “managed” household Ran businesses Read

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

Poorer Roman Fathers

Was seen as the head of the household and arranged marriages for his children

His “word” was “law”

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

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

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

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

Romans Then and Now