1. Thurgood Marshall Fundamental Middle
Daily Life In
Rome
By: Kerry Giordano
Thurgood Marshall Fundamental Middle

2. The Client-Patron System
Network of reciprocal relationships institutionalized by Roman custom
The duties of the Client
The obligations of the Patron
Patron-client relationships endured over generations in many cases and sometimes across miles
Reflects the central Roman value of fidelity

3. Law and Order Senators carry weight
Crime common – murder, assault, stealing
Police patrol rich only
Some streets closed at night
Anyone can accuse anyone of a crime!
Poor often harsher punishments

4. The Role of Religion Roman gods: stern, powerful and aloof
No formal priesthood—role of aristocrats
--pax deorum
The Pontifex Maximus and his board of priests
The role of religious festivals and foreign cults
--The Festival of Lupercalia
Except most religions- no conflict with emperor

5. Roman Religion (cont) Three central gods: Jupiter, Juno and Minerva
Main role of the gods was protection and provision – oversee daily life
The shrine of Vesta and the Vestal Virgins – offer cakes on the hearth
Household shrines: Penates and Lares
Roman belief in a multitude of spirits

6. Power in the Roman Family
A Patriarchal Society: “Patria Potestas” (Power of a Father)
Father assumed the power of life and death over his family
Roman fathers conferred with a “council” of friends
Women living in the shadow of men – wealthy can own property
The power and duties of women
--Tullia

7. Power in the Roman Family (cont)
The lot of poor women - HARD
The indirect political impact of women
A day in the life of a Roman household
--Began the day early
--Main meal at midday
--An agricultural economy and practices

8. Goals of Roman Education for Public Life
Only strong babies kept
Poor – home school until 6/7
Naming Ceremony – Bulla (boys)
Boys: Manhood ceremony
Study- Latin, Greek, math, science, lit, music, public speaking
Education of girls – dentist,
Real estate, tutors, midwives
Girls:12-18 married

9. Roman Food and Drink Wealthy – kitchens vs. Poor – grills
Thermopolia = “fast food”
Bread, beans, spices, few veggies, cheese, water, meat, etc.
Market = exotic animals – anything for $$
Breakfast = bread, beans or porridge
Lunch = cheese/bread and maybe olives/celery
Dinner =
Poor = fish, asparagus, fig
Wealthy = honey roasted parrots, date stuffing, salted jellyfish, snails in milk!

10. Roman Houses Wealthy – stone/marble, atrium, couches, mosaics
Poor – apartment buildings, grills, cramped, noisy, dirty

11. Roman Recreation Public Baths - for everyone
- swim, bathe, exercise, massage
- libraries, shops, art, gardens
Bread and Circuses (poor) = free
- gladiators – bloody!
- Circus Maximus – chariots – men and women can
sit together!

12. Roman Country Life 90% of people live in the country
Wealthy = villas – raise crops/livestock
Farms = grains, grapes, olives, goats, sheep, cattle, pigs, bees
Slaves = most of the work!
Non-slaves = huts, tiny farm or labor on estates