The Role Families Play In Roman Culture And Society

Families were the cornerstone of Roman culture and society. They provided the foundation for the Roman state, the economy, and the military. The family was also the center of religious life and education.

The Role Families Play in Roman Culture and Society - Ancient History Sourcebook | Children's Ancient History

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Family Structure

Roman families were patriarchal, meaning that the father was the head of the household. He had absolute authority over his wife, children, and slaves. The wife was responsible for managing the household and raising the children. The children were expected to obey their parents and to contribute to the family's well-being.

The extended family was also an important part of Roman life. It included the parents, their children, their grandchildren, and their great-grandchildren. The extended family provided support and security for its members. It also helped to maintain the family's traditions and values.

Family Law

Roman family law was very complex. It governed all aspects of family life, from marriage to divorce to inheritance. The paterfamilias had the right to arrange marriages for his children, to divorce his wife, and to disinherit his children.

The rights of women were limited under Roman law. Women could not own property or vote. They were also subject to the authority of their husbands.

Family Roles

The roles of men and women in Roman families were clearly defined. Men were responsible for providing for the family and for protecting it from harm. Women were responsible for managing the household and raising the children.

Children were expected to obey their parents and to contribute to the family's well-being. They were also expected to marry and have children of their own.

Family and the State

The family was the foundation of the Roman state. The state relied on families to provide soldiers, taxpayers, and citizens. The state also supported families by providing financial assistance and by protecting family rights.

The family was also the center of religious life in Rome. Families worshipped their own gods and goddesses, and they celebrated religious festivals together.

Families were the cornerstone of Roman culture and society. They provided the foundation for the Roman state, the economy, and the military. The family was also the center of religious life and education.

The roles of men and women in Roman families were clearly defined. Men were responsible for providing for the family and for protecting it from harm. Women were responsible for managing the household and raising the children.

The family was the foundation of the Roman state. The state relied on families to provide soldiers, taxpayers, and citizens. The state also supported families by providing financial assistance and by protecting family rights.

The family was also the center of religious life in Rome. Families worshipped their own gods and goddesses, and they celebrated religious festivals together.

Further Reading

• The Family in Ancient Rome by Suzanne Dixon
• Women in Roman Law and Society by Jane F. Gardner
• The Roman Family in the Late Republic by Sally R. Sommer

The Role Families Play in Roman Culture and Society - Ancient History Sourcebook | Children's Ancient History

by Baby Professor

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5106 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	64 pages

FREE