How Ancient Roman Family Values Differed From Today
Roman society in the 1st century BCE was marked by a highly structured hierarchy, and nowhere was this more deeply felt than within the family unit. Ancient Romans viewed family in an entirely different way than we do today, and their values and expectations for a cohesive, functioning family unit were distinctly different from our modern ones. This article will explore how the Ancient Romans viewed family, from the roles of the father, to the place of a daughter in the household, to the importance of marriage and women in the family unit.
The Place of The Paterfamilias
The head of a Roman household was called the Paterfamilias. He had complete control over his dependents, be they his wife, children, slaves, or any other family members. This was known as the “strict Roman family” whereby all members were completely under the control of the father figure. The Roman father (or Paterfamilias) was expected to discipline, guide and provide financially for his family, while expecting absolute obedience and loyalty to him as the head of the family. He was expected to be strong and exacting in his decisions, as was traditionally seen as the only way to maintain order in the family unit.
Marriage and Women in the Roman Family
In ancient Rome, marriage was important and seen as essential for the stability and security of the family. Men were usually the ones to initiate the marriage, and often the bride’s family paid a dowry to the groom’s family to seal the marriage. Women were seen as submissive to their husband and were expected to bear and raise children for the husband. Marriage was not seen as an equal partnership, but rather as a husband providing for and controlling his wife and family.
Divorce was integral in Roman society and was even seen as a better course of action than continued unhappiness in a marriage. It wasn’t just husbands that could initiate a divorce, women also had the right to divorce, although they generally needed the approval of their father.
Children and Family Inheritance
Having children was important in Roman family life, as they ensured that the family name would be carried on and would bring meaning and stability to the family unit. The firstborn son was seen as the most important, but daughters were also important and were often used to forge important alliances through marriage.
In terms of inheritance, the Roman father was expected to ensure that each of his children got their fair share. This usually prioritized the eldest son, however, the father also had some degree of freedom over how they chose to distribute their wealth, giving favors to particular children.
Ancient Romans Viewed Family Differently
It is clear that Ancient Romans had a very different view of family than we do today. The father was the absolute leader of the family unit and was responsible for providing, guiding and maintaining discipline. Women were expected to be submissive to their husband and were used to forge important relationships through marriage. Children were highly valued, not just for the continuation of the family name, but also as an asset and a form of wealth. Finally, fair inheritance practices were expected to be followed, with the eldest son usually at the forefront. Ancient Roman’s view of a family may have been quite different from today’s but despite that, will always be an integral part of the culture and civilization.
