Education in the Roman Household

Education in the Roman Household by Philip Davies offers a comprehensive exploration of the educational practices that shaped the formative years of Roman children within the family setting. Drawing from primary sources, archaeological evidence, and scholarly interpretation, this book delves into the pivotal role of the familia and the paterfamilias in overseeing education, the function of private tutors, and the structure of formal schooling through stages of literacy, rhetoric, and philosophy. It highlights the gendered distinctions in educational aims and social implications for boys and girls, while also addressing the educational experiences of slaves, freedmen, and lower-class children. By tracing the profound legacy of Roman household education across history, Davies reveals how these ancient practices forged not only individual identities but also the social and political fabric of Rome—and how their influence echoes through Western educational traditions today. This volume is an essential resource for scholars and enthusiasts of classical education, Roman history, and the cultural foundations of pedagogy.