13
BEING A
TEENAGER
IN ANCIENT
ROME
by Anika Park
2018-2019 NJCL Editor
As Roddy McDowall famously says in an episode of Twilight Zone, “people are alike all over.” But really, how alike—or unlike—are we to our counterparts in ancient Rome? Today, young people often hear older generations complain about the doomed state of our future and criticize the modern lifestyle. Now that thousands of generations have passed since the fall of Rome, comparing the young people of Rome to the modern youth makes for an interesting discussion. Beware, however,
as this article generalizes the group “Roman teenagers.” Many of the customs and typical lifestyle situations mentioned here may not be representative of all Roman teenagers as people were very different depending on what region they lived.
EDUCATION
Teenagers' education depended on their gender and their families' financial situations. Boys overall found more opportunities to receive a proper education. Most boys and girls were at least able to read and write. Wealthy parents assigned private tutors to their children and even paid for them to study abroad. In fact, these teenagers were mostly well-versed in both Latin and Greek and studied a variety of subjects like philosophy and science. Many families also sent their children to school, but schools were generally for boys only. While girls from richer backgrounds usually received an education, commoner girls were less likely to learn beyond how to read and write. Instead, they stayed at home with their mothers, learning how to weave and sew.
RECREATION
Ancient Rome is a relatively strict society, but teenagers will be teenagers. At this stage in their lives, Roman adolescents were growing out of their childhood toys. Wooden swords, mini chariots, doll houses, and small kitchen sets — all these were no longer deemed appropriate for their age. Instead, they followed their parents to bathhouses where they would not only bathe but also socialize. They also visited the Forum to watch Roman debates, which they could now understand with their education. Many teenage boys aspiring to become orators and politicians also learned through watching the men debate in the Forum. While women were not allowed to take part in these debates, they still attended them for the entertainment. Adolescents enjoyed a myriad of other activities, including attending theatrical performances, Ludi games, and chariot races. They also enjoyed dinner feasts where they could lounge on their long seats and drink wine with family and friends.