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
