Development of Ancient Roman Society and Social Classes

Introduction

• Focus: Development of ancient Roman society and social classes
• Presented by: World History Encyclopedia
• Support: Through Patreon and merchandise sales

Founding Myth and Family Unit

• Legendary Foundation: Rome founded in 753 BCE by Romulus
• Romulus and Remus: Romulus killed Remus
• Sabine Women: Romulus' wife, Priscilla, helped maintain peace
• Family Structure: Patrilineal, with male as head of family

Role of Family in Society

• Family as Society Model
  • Consul/Emperor as father of the people
  • Family unit modeled state organization
• Father's Authority
  • Decision-maker for marriage, occupation, and family functioning
  • Managed business and political life

Social Classes in Rome

• Initial Classes: Patricians (upper class) and Plebeians (lower class)
• Misconception: Not strictly rich vs. poor
  • Patricians: Could be less wealthy than plebeians
• Conflict of the Orders
  • Plebeians demanded reform
  • Creation of Tribune position and 12 Tables laws

Expanded Social Classes

• Social Classes:
  1. Patricians: Landed aristocracy, served in the Senate
  2. Plebeians: Working class, essential occupations
  3. Equites: Equestrian class, business managers
  4. Freedmen: Former slaves, relied on patrons
  5. Slaves: Had no rights, various roles

Women's Role and Rights

• Dominated by Fathers/Husbands
• Responsibilities:
  • Household and children's care
  • Supporting husband's career
• Rights:
  • Could file for divorce, own property, and run businesses
  • Limited legal rights over children

Marriage and Household

• Marriage Age: Girls at 12, Boys at 15, but men married later
• Marriage Rituals: Simple vows and feasts
• Household Spirits: Maintained for family harmony
  • Spirits like Lares, Manes, and Lemures

Religious Beliefs and Festivals

• Gods and Spirits: Integral to daily life
• Festivals:
  • Saturnalia: Resembles modern Christmas
  • Vestal Virgins: Served Vesta, goddess of the hearth
• Quid Pro Quo with Gods: Military victories, harvests, and trade

Impact and Influence

• Spread of Roman Beliefs
  • Influenced other cultures
  • Some practices continued or reformed, like Christian rites

Conclusion

• Reflection: Consideration of living in Roman society
• Engagement: Questions and interaction encouraged