Ancient Roman Family Life, Culture, and Mythology
Living in Family
A Large Family
Family was a pillar of Roman society, dominated by the pater familias. This oldest male held authority over his wife, children, slaves, and freedmen. He had legal power over family members. Upon his death, the next oldest male would become the pater familias.
Roman Women
Roman society was patriarchal, and women could not be emancipated. From birth until marriage, a woman was under the authority of a male relative. Upon his death, a tutor was assigned. However, compared to other civilizations, Roman women enjoyed relative freedom. They oversaw their children’s education and often advised their husbands.
Wedding in Rome
Roman weddings were private affairs, typically arranged by the pater familias without input from the couple. Early marriages were cum manu, where the woman became part of the husband’s family. Later, sine manu marriages emerged, allowing women to maintain ties with their birth families.
Daily Activities
Daily life in Rome varied based on social status. Slaves had limited leisure time compared to citizens.
Morning
Romans rose early, washed, and ate a light breakfast (ientaculum) of bread, cheese, dates, honey, and olives. Wealthy Romans received guests and distributed money. Men then attended to public or private affairs, while important figures conducted business in the forum, accompanied by clients. Women managed the household, oversaw slaves, and educated children. Girls typically received basic education in reading, writing, and arithmetic, while boys might continue to higher levels of study.
Lunch
Midday brought a light lunch (praendium) of leftovers. Many took a nap afterward, and children returned to school.
Afternoon
Romans bathed weekly, with the wealthy doing so at home. Men and women bathed at separate times unless the baths were large enough to accommodate both.
Evening
The main meal (cena) began in the late afternoon. It consisted of starters (salads, vegetables, olives, eggs), a main course (fish or meat), and desserts (nuts, cheese). The less fortunate retired after dinner, while those who could afford it enjoyed entertainment such as dancing, drinking, and mime shows.
Roman Calendar and Time
Vocabulary Related to the Roman Calendar
- Months of the Year: Originally, the Roman calendar began in March with 10 lunar months: Martius, Aprilis, Maius, Iunius, Quinctilis (later Iulius), Sextilis (later Augustus), September, October, November, December. Ianuarius and Februarius were later added. Julius Caesar reformed the calendar, adding a leap day every four years.
Expressions Associated with Time
- A posteriori (after the fact)
- A priori (before events)
- Ad kalendas graecas (never)
- Ante meridiem (a.m.)
- Ipso facto (immediately)
- Post meridiem (p.m.)
- Sine die (without a date)
- Irreparabile tempus fugit (time flies irretrievably)
- Carpe diem (seize the day)
Mythological Creatures
The Hydra
The Hydra, a nine-headed serpent with a dog’s body, lived in the Lernaean swamp. For each head severed, two grew back. Hercules, with his cousin’s help, defeated the Hydra by cauterizing the necks after cutting off the heads. Its blood-tipped arrows became poisonous.
The Chimera
The Chimera was a monstrous fire-breathing hybrid with a lion’s head and body, a goat’s head on its back, and a serpent’s tail. Bellerophon, aided by Pegasus, the winged horse, slew the Chimera with lead arrows.
The Harpies
Harpies were bird-like monsters with women’s heads and sharp claws, known for snatching food and spreading filth. They tormented the blind seer Phineas until the Argonauts drove them away.
The Sirens
Sirens, part woman and part bird, lured sailors to their doom with enchanting songs. Odysseus, by plugging his crew’s ears with wax and having himself tied to the mast, survived their deadly allure.
Centaurs
Centaurs, half-man and half-horse, were known for their wild and savage nature. Chiron, a wise and gentle centaur, was an exception, serving as tutor to heroes like Achilles and Asclepius.
The Satyrs
Satyrs, with human torsos, horse-like legs, pointed ears, and small horns, inhabited forests and mountains. They were known for their lustful pursuit of nymphs. Pan, a prominent satyr, pursued the nymph Syrinx, who transformed into reeds. From these reeds, Pan fashioned his namesake flute.