Romans had a strict social structure where the paterfamilias held authority over the family, birth was perilous, children were celebrated and cared for, educated starting at age 7, transitioned into adulthood in their early 20s, and underwent rituals marking their progression towards responsible adulthood, including military service. Political figures like Cataline exploited the impetuous nature of Roman youth, using it to their advantage.
Insights
The Roman social structure was heavily patriarchal, with the paterfamilias holding significant authority over the family, including the power to accept or abandon newborns, reflecting a system focused on maintaining the family name and lineage.
Roman children underwent a structured upbringing that transitioned them from infancy to responsible adulthood, involving rituals like the donning of the toga virilis and military service, marking key milestones in their development and integration into society.
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Recent questions
How were Roman newborns celebrated?
With a celebration about a week after birth, male children often received their father's name and a bula, a protective amulet, while both boys and girls wore a white toga with a purple border for protection.