Roman SocietyRoman Society

Roman Society?

Greatly impacted by the GreeksGreek merchants, scholars and artists spread their culture on visits to RomeAfter conquering the Hellenistic kingdoms, Romans had Greek manuscripts and art sent to Rome to studyUse of educated Greek slaves popularRich sent sons to Athens to studyMany blamed the Greeks for Rome’s vices, like materialism

Roman ReligionInfluenced all parts of society

Polytheistic

Adopted many Greek deities; “Greco-Roman” religion

Overall, tolerant of religious cults

Religion, cont.Belief that humans were dependent on the gods – even the government

Ritual very important

Pontifex maximus- controlled the state religion (chief priest)

Julius Caesar united this title with the emperor

Religious Success

It was believed that the Romans’ success in creating an empire reflected that they had achieved the ‘peace of the gods’

Religious Festivals

Two Types of Festivals:

1. State Sponsored- games grew out of these in honor of Jupiter. Began as chariot races, and as empire expanded, included gladiator fights in the Circus Maximus.

2. Performed by individual families

Circus Maximus

Education

No public education system

Family provided training for their children in how to be a good Roman citizen

Boys: learn how to farm, be a soldier and understand the traditions of the state/politics

Girls: be good wives and mothers

Upper Class Education

Greek studiesRhetoricPhilosophyPrimary and secondary schools (grammaticus)Grammaticus- literature, logic, arithmetic, geometry, astronomy and music

The Roman FamilyThe Roman FamilyRoman families lead by the paterfamilias, or the dominant male.He exercised complete controlChildren raised at homeUpper class children taught to read and writeBoys become men at age 16 with the changing of the toga ceremony.

Family Family Marriages arranged by paterfamilias

Girls aloud to marry at 12, but usually happened at 14

Divorce common, and easy to obtain

2nd Century women begin to receive more rights and the paterfamilias rule goes out of style.

Roman WomenThe upper class women of Rome had more freedom than their Greek counterparts

They could leave the home without an escort

Were the center of the entertaining conducted in the home

Husbands enjoyed the company of their wives; made easier since she was educated

Still, had no political rights until…

The end of the 5th century given rights in politics

SlaverySlaveryRomans relied on slavery.Even small farmers usually owned slavesGreeks were slaves and usually tutors, musicians, doctors, and artists.Worked in shops, kept houses, waited tables, servants, and craftspeople.

Slavery ConditionsSlavery ConditionsPoor conditions for most slaves; those that worked in private homes seen as members of the family and treated well

Some, like Cato, believed it was cheaper to work a slave to death, and then get a new one.

Punishments were harsh to prevent revolt.

Spartacus

Spartacus in 73 B.C. leads thousands in a revolt, and defeats several Roman armies.

He was captured and killed

All of his followers were crucified

ArtArtAdored Greek Art

Greeks concentrated on ideal forms

Romans added realistic features, even unpleasant features

ArchitectureArchitectureExcelled in architecture

Created the dome, arch, and vault.

Built roads, bridges, and aqueducts

Architecture, cont.

Development of concrete, allowed building projects to become very large

Built amphitheaters, public baths, and large apartment buildings – necessary to house the ever growing population of the Roman Empire!