Flashcards on Daily Life and Society in Ancient Rome

Daily Life and Society in Ancient Rome: A Student's Guide

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Who was the head of the family in ancient Rome, and what were the characteristics of the family?

The head of the family was the paterfamilias (the father). Families were larger than they are today and could include slaves.

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Roman Family Life

17 cards

Question: Who was the head of the family in ancient Rome, and what were the characteristics of the family?

Answer: The head of the family was the paterfamilias (the father). Families were larger than they are today and could include slaves.

Question: What roles did clients and patrons play in Roman family life?

Answer: Clients were individuals who supported and served the family household; patrons were those who gave orders and directed the clients.

Question: Who chose the husband or wife for children in Roman weddings?

Answer: Parents chose the spouse for their children.

Question: At what age did girls marry, and what was the age difference with men?

Answer: Girls married at 12 years old, and men were typically much older.

Question: What piece of jewelry was given at the wedding, and on which finger was it worn?

Answer: A ring was given and placed on the third finger of the left hand.

Question: What did the bride offer the night before the wedding, and where?

Answer: The bride offered her childhood toys to the gods at the domestic altar.

Question: How did the bride dress the morning after the wedding?

Answer: She wore a white tunic, a saffron-yellow cloak, shoes, and a flame-red veil, in addition to a garland of flowers on her head.

Question: What ritual event occurred during the wedding before the contract was read?

Answer: An animal was sacrificed, and a priest examined its entrails for the gods' approval of the marriage.

Question: What did the marriage contract stipulate regarding payments between families?

Answer: The contract stated that the wife's parents had to pay the groom's father because the wife was moving to live in the husband's home.

Question: Where was the post-wedding celebration held, and at whose house?

Answer: The couple celebrated a feast at the bride's house.

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