Roman men were in charge of
their families. Wives and children
obeyed them. The head of the family
was called the paterfamilias. He
controlled his children and their
families, too. He had the power of
life and death over his family and his
slaves.
Most women were
homemakers.
They cared for
children. They
kept the house
running smoothly.
Poor women worked in shops.
Some worked as hairdressers.
Others were dressmakers. A few
practiced medicine. Baby girls
were called by their father’s middle
name. For example, Gaius Julius
Caesar’s daughter was Julia. Two
daughters would be called
major
and
minor
(big and little) or
prima
and
secunda
(first and second).
14
Age at which a boy
began wearing a toga
and registered as a
Roman citizen.
• Fathers ruled the family.
Most women were
homemakers.
• Wealthy children went to
school at age seven. Poor
children worked.
• Arranged marriages
increased a family’s
wealth or social standing.
Fathers Ruled
Roman Families
5
12
Roman
children played
with animal
figurines and
wheeled toys.
