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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!