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In ancient Rome, children held a unique and important role within society, but their lives were shaped by strict social structures and expectations. The status of a child in Rome often depended on their social class and whether they were born into a free family or a slave family. Children from freeborn families were generally highly valued, particularly in the early stages of life, as they represented the continuity of the family name and the expansion of wealth and power. In contrast, children born to slaves had a much harder existence, with limited rights and opportunities for advancement.
Roman children were cared for primarily by their mothers in the early years, though wet nurses were commonly employed in wealthier households to ensure that the child was raised in the best possible conditions. The Roman mother, or materfamilias, was responsible for the upbringing of her children, especially for teaching them moral values and household management. Fathers, on the other hand, played a significant role in the education of their sons, particularly in the realms of law, governance, and military service, while daughters were typically trained in domestic duties to maintain the household.
The first major milestone for a Roman child was the “bulla,” a protective amulet worn by boys until they reached maturity. This symbol of childhood was eventually removed once the child transitioned to adulthood. For Roman boys, this transition also involved formal education, typically beginning around the age of seven. Boys were taught reading, writing, and rhetoric, with an emphasis on public speaking and debating skills, especially for those from elite families. Wealthier Roman boys often attended private tutors, while others may have attended school, which was considered important for their future roles as citizens and potential leaders. Roman girls, however, received less formal education, focusing more on learning domestic tasks, such as weaving, cooking, and child-rearing, to prepare them for marriage and household management.
Roman children were also heavily influenced by their family’s religious practices. Many families would hold religious ceremonies for their newborns, such as the “dies lustricus,” a purification ritual held on the eighth day after birth, during which the child was formally named and accepted into the community. As they grew, children were taught to respect the gods and were involved in rituals and offerings at home and in public temples. This practice of religion was deeply intertwined with Roman family life and served to instill in children a sense of duty to both their family and the wider Roman state.
Despite the relatively high value placed on children, life in ancient Rome was precarious, and many children did not survive to adulthood due to disease, malnutrition, or the harsh conditions of Roman life. Infant mortality was high, and the early death of a child could be a devastating blow to a Roman family. However, for those who did survive into adulthood, children were expected to carry on the family legacy, whether in public service, politics, or other forms of Roman life.
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