Notes

Roman Daily Life Daily life in Ancient Rome often began with a light breakfast. Bread and water (or wine) would be served at home, or a wheat pancake could have been purchased on the way to work or school. Sometimes meat, fish, fruit, and other items may have been served, but not each day.

Men and boys wore togas and then later tunics, which were slightly larger than a shirt typically worn today. Women and girls also wore tunics; however, these reached their ankles and tied near the waist. While many girls stayed home with their mothers to take care of the home, some girls were allowed to attend schools with the boys. Schools often consisted of only one room and might have resembled a small Roman shop, like a bakery. break Schoolmasters (or teachers) were often strict, especially those who followed the words of Aristotle, who once said, “Young people are not playing when they are learning.” Education was taken very seriously in these schoolhouses. Students studied many of the same subjects learned in school today.

In school, math was difficult, as six Roman letters (I, V, X, L, C, and M) were used to create all numbers. Students also learned how to speak, how to write, how to tell time, how to use and count money, and other lessons designed to help them in everyday life. Weights and measurements, history, philosophy, and public speaking were also taught, among other subjects.