Roman Private Life
From Dickinson College Wiki
How decadent were the Romans?
(Roman morality) Tertullian, De spectaculis; Plutarch, On the Greatness of Rome. Juv. 10, 13?
Why was slavery never effectively challenged in the ancient world?
(Slavery; Freedmen)Petronius, Satyricon; Apuleius, Golden Ass.
Is the nuclear family a historical constant, or is Roman family significantly different from the modern variety?
Were Roman women oppressed?
Women; Marriage Ovid, Ars Amatoria 1. Laudatio Turiae. Juvenal Satire 6.
Was homosexuality accepted in ancient Rome?
Sex Juv. 2.
Was ancient Rome a capitalist society?
Economics; Life in the Country Juv. 3.
Why didn’t the Romans invent the steam engine?
Technology
How clean were Roman cities?
Urban Conditions; Baths Juv. 3, Martial.
What did Roman aristocrats do all day?
Government and Politics
How practical and useful was a Roman education?
Education Marcus Aurelius, Meditations Book 1. Quintilian.
What might have been the appeal of a Roman soldier’s life?
Army Vegetius, De Re militari
Were the Romans racist?
The Provinces; Race and Ethnicity Claudius’ speech. Juv.
Why were gladiatorial spectacles not thought to be cruel?
Spectacles
Did Roman religion provide any moral guidance?
Religion 1 Apuleius, Golden Ass Book 9.
Did most people in the ancient world believe in astrology, magic, and demons?
Religion 2 Apuleius, Pro se de magia.
Why did Christianity have little impact until the 4th century AD?
Eastern Cults and Christianity
