Family and Ceremonies Flashcards
1
Q
Role of Paterfamilias
A
- had absolute power over all members of his family
- had right of life or death (e.g. could execute wife)
- decided whether a new born would live or die
- provided education
- religious upbringing for children
2
Q
Naming Ceremony
A
- 9 days after birth for boy
- 8 days after birth for girl
- baby given lucky charm (bulla if boy)
- boy given 3 names; personal, clan, family
- girl given one from clan
3
Q
Toga of manhood / coming of age
A
- 17th march - public holiday in Roman calendar
- celebration in honour of God of Fertility
- most important day of life so far for boy
- before this wore toga praetexta
- now wears toga virilis
4
Q
‘Women had a harder life than men’ - AGREE
A
- Arranged marriage at an early age
- V young to manage household once married
- pressure to produce sons when too immature
- only very basic education yet expected to manage accounts
- denied political career or the right to vote
5
Q
‘Women had a harder life than men’ - DISAGREE
A
- Wealthy women did not work
- Plenty of time for socialising
- Did not serve in the army
- slaves to attend personal needs and tasks
- respect as a matrona
