Education in Ancient Rome

(1977) examines the development, structure and role of education from the third century B.C. to the time of Trajan, a period which saw great changes in Roman society. It provides a historical background, showing the effects upon the educational system of Rome’s transition from an agricultural community to a great metropolis, tracing the development of primary, grammar and rhetoric schools, and discussing the standards of upbringing and education. The book then looks at the physical conditions of teaching – accommodation, equipment, discipline, the economic position of teachers, the fee-paying system, and the part played by the Roman State. Finally, it gives a full appraisal of the standard Roman teaching programme.