Explain the nature of Roman Educational system before the advent of the Greeks.
Sequel to the coming of the Greek influence, there are fundamental things to understand about the nature of Roman Educational system. The first significant fact was that traditional Romans were predominantly agrarian, mostly farmers. Thus, much of the education for boys was geared towards farming. This involved learning about farming itself as well as farm management and direction of slaves in the farm work.
The second is that the family was the center of life to the Roman. To this extent, the father and the mother matter much and they handled the education of the youth, at least up to the age of 16 years when the boy was considered to have become a man. As the head of the family, the father was held in very high esteem and therefore had a great role to play in educating the child. Both the father and the mother had a hand in the education of their child and indeed, the role of the mother extended beyond the early years and was indeed lifelong.
Third is the fact that as opposed to the Greek education that was oriented towards the chivalry, as extolled in the poems of Homer, Roman education was geared to extol an unquestioned respect for the customs of their ancestors. We should bear it in mind that the traditional Romans were worshippers of very many gods, many of them family gods. Thus, the Roman child was brought up to respect and learn about these ancestral figures. At the larger level, the youth was taught to give this loyalty and devotion to the state and were taught to revere great national ancestors.
Fourth, and perhaps as carry-over from the last point, education had a strong moral aspect, aiming at inculcating rural virtues, a respect for good management of one’s patrimony, and a sense of austerity and frugality. Even sons of nobles were taught to live a prudent life rather live like young lords, while those of commoners were taught to make the best of whatever they had. Finally, although Rome was a nation of small farmers, it was equally a nation of soldiers. Physical straining was very much a part of the boys’ education. This was oriented not towards self-realization or competitive sport but towards military preparedness. Boys were trained in the functions and use of arms, while exercises meant to tough of the body and the mind were embarked upon eg swmming across cold and rapid streams, horsemanship, involving such performance as mounted acrobatics and cavalry parades under arms
In summary
First, the traditional Romans were mostly farmers, so boys were educated in farming practices, farm management, and how to oversee slaves working on the farms.
Secondly, Roman family life was crucial, and parents, especially the father, played a significant role in educating their children until around the age of 16 when a boy was considered a man. Both parents were involved, and the mother’s influence extended beyond early years.
Third, unlike Greek education, which emphasized chivalry, Roman education focused on respecting ancestral customs and gods. Children were taught to honor their family’s ancestral figures and show loyalty to the state and national ancestors.
Fourth, Roman education placed a strong emphasis on morality, teaching virtues, good management of one’s possessions, and the importance of being frugal. Even noble sons were encouraged to live modestly.
Lastly, since Rome was a nation of both farmers and soldiers, physical training was essential. Boys learned about arms and engaged in physically demanding activities like swimming, horsemanship, and military exercises to prepare them for defense.
This approach to education helped shape the values and skills of young Romans before Greek influence enriched their educational system.
Evaluation
1. Before Greek influence, Roman education focused on teaching boys about __________.
a) Farming
b) Fishing
c) Trading
2. The family was at the center of Roman life, and parents played a crucial role in educating their children until around the age of __________.
a) 12 years
b) 16 years
c) 18 years
3. In Roman education, fathers were held in high esteem and had a significant role in educating their children. Mothers also played a vital role, and their influence extended beyond the early years, often lifelong.
a) True
b) False
c) Uncertain
4. Unlike Greek education, Roman education emphasized respect for __________.
a) Chivalry
b) Ancestral customs
c) Military prowess
5. Traditional Romans were worshippers of __________ gods, many of which were family gods.
a) One
b) Several
c) No
6. Roman children were taught to respect and learn about their __________.
a) Peers
b) Ancestors
c) Neighbors
7. Roman youth were taught to show loyalty and devotion to the __________.
a) Military
b) State
c) Church
8. Roman education aimed at inculcating __________ virtues, such as respect for managing one’s possessions and living frugally.
a) Urban
b) Rural
c) Global
9. Even sons of nobles were taught to live a __________ life, rather than extravagantly.
a) Prudent
b) Luxurious
c) Adventurous
10. Roman boys’ physical training was oriented towards __________ preparedness.
a) Self-realization
b) Competitive sport
c) Military
11. Boys were trained in the functions and use of __________ during their education.
a) Farming tools
b) Arms
c) Musical instruments
12. Roman education emphasized reverence for __________ ancestors.
a) Foreign
b) National
c) Mythical
13. Traditional Romans were predominantly __________.
a) Merchants
b) Farmers
c) Artists
14. Roman education instilled a sense of __________ and frugality.
a) Extravagance
b) Austerity
c) Indulgence
15. Parents in Roman society were responsible for their child’s education __________ the early years.
a) Only during
b) Beyond
c) Until the age of 30
