Daily life in RomeOutcome 4.5

Social Structure Social standing depended on birth and/or family

wealth and influence

Emperor

SenatorsKnights

Small Farmers, Craftspeople and Shopkeepers

Slaves

Essential Questions Why would the factors be sources of conflict and

discontent within Roman society?

What role did slaves plan in Roman society? What problems do you think a dependency on slave labour might cause?

Family Life Property was passed from father to son

The head of the family (usually the father) had all authority over all of his family and household slaves

He had the right to sell his children into slavery and to abandon unwanted infants

Family Life Boys were considered adults when they turned

sixteen

His name was officially recorded in the list of citizens, he was eligible to vote, and he could get married

Boys could marry as young as 14 and girls as young as 12.

Education Only the wealthy could send their children to school

Sometimes they would hire private tutors

Children were taught reading, writing, and counting

If they continued in school, they began a serious study of oratorical and debating skills

Women in Rome Roman women were involved with the family, social

events, and business ventures

They attendant state functions, the public games, and the theatre

They could own property, work outside the home, and manage their own businesses

Never allowed to hold official government positions or vote

Entertainment Two of the most popular forms of entertainment were

chariot racing and gladiatorial games

Chariot Races Held on an oval track, or circus

Circus Maximus- seated about 250,000 spectators

The wealthy sent their slaves or hired people to stand in line for them

Men and women sat together in the seats

Gladiatorial Games Took place in amphitheatres such as the famous

Colossem in Rome

Women attended the events, but were not allowed to sit with the men

Pre-show was made of up short, violent performances

Many gladiators were prisoners of war, criminals, or slaves

If they were successful in the games, they could be set free

VIDEO FROM GLADIATOR

Life in Rome: Gladiators

Video