Roman Culture

I. Art and Architecture

                1. The Romans developed a strong working group of Greek workers which they spread all around the empire and its cities.

                2. Much like the Hellenes, the Roman sculptors were famous for their production of realistic visual work.

                3. The Romans excelled in architecture, where they copied much of Greek style while also adding their own twist of curved lines allowing them to build arches, vaults, and domes.

                4. The Romans are also well known for their development of road systems and aqueducts.

II. Literature

                1. Virgil

                                A. The greatest of all Roman poets.

                                B. Most famous work is the Aeneid.

                2. Horace

                                A. He directed satires of the services of Roman citizens and their everyday lives.

                3. Livy

                                A. Important historical writer.

                                B. Often more concerned with being more entertaining then factual.

III. Family Life

                1. All Roman families were dominated by the Paterfamilia (head of the household, and that was the oldest male normally)  

                2. Children in Rome, unlike Greece were raised at home.

                                A. Upper class children were the lucky ones who got to learn to read and write.

                3. The father determined whether it would teach the children or hire a slave to do so.

                4. Young were taught-moral principles

                                                - Family values

                                                -law

                                                -physical training to be a solider

                * At 16 young men were initiated by receiving a white cloak to signify the attainment of Manhood. (old cloaks have purple edges.)

                5. The Paterfamilia was the guardian of his women. 

                                A. If he did his old then he is replaced by his nearest male relative.

                6. Marriages were arranged by the wives, and fathers.

                                A. Marriages  were usually about 14 years old.

                                B. Organically for life, divorce later accepted 

                7. After 1100 A.D. women roles get a bit better.

                                A. Civil activates