Ava Norton
Norton
How School was Different in Ancient Rome By By Ava
In the early days of Rome, kids did not go to school. Boys were taught how to read
and write only if a family member knew how to. During the republic, things changed
when the Romans saw the Greeks teaching their kids together with teachers. The
only bad thing was, teachers were hired so poor kids did not go to school. In school,
teachers taught math and Greek literature as well as reading and writing. The main
subject in school was public speaking. Weird to think about, right? In ancient times,
school started before sunrise (EWW) and went until late afternoon with a break for
lunch in between. At age 12 or 13, boys studied Latin, Greek, grammar, and literature
in grammar school. At 16, some went on to study public speaking and become an
orator. The goal of education in ancient Rome was to be a powerful speaker. Further,
this is quite different from today where one can study subjects such as religion and
science, then go on to possibly focus on a subject other than public speaking.
The Children of Rome: A Short (and Not Very Sweet) Childhood
By Erin Devine
Young boys in Rome were usually raised by their mothers until they were seven years
old. During this time they were allowed to be children, play with toys and with their
brothers and sisters, and spend their time freely, with some education from their
mother or an educated slave. They accompanied their fathers who taught their child
their trade. The children that were from wealthy families usually attended some form
of school. When they were properly educated, (whether it be in trade or school) and
mature enough mentally and physically, his father would decide if it was time for his
coming of age ceremony. When a Roman boy reached adulthood, he laid aside his
bulla, an amulet given to him at birth, as well as the toga praetexta of his childhood.
Girls were raised with a differing upbringing. The main similarity is the very early
childhood, when the girl was too young to learn homely ways and free to play with
toys and act childish. When they were able to carry out tasks, their mother began
teaching them how to preform womanly duties like cooking and sewing; wealthy
families would educate their daughters in music, weaving, and other elegant trades.
They attended no school outside the home and were not educated in topics such as
mathematics or sciences. If she did receive additional education, it was from her
mother or an educated slave. Also unlike males, girls would prepare to marry at ages
from 12, rather than 14. The night before her wedding, a young girl would return her
bulla to her father and then give away all her toys.