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Patrons and Clients
Patronus, (plural patroni) and Cliens, (plural clientes) formed a symbiotic relationship in the Roman society. By modern standards, the patrons were the aristocracy. While the clientes were the common Roman citizens. The clients support their patrons by electing them into offices, and greeting them every morning. The more clients a patron had, the more powerful he was. In return, the patrons would defend their clientes if they were prosecuted and supported them financially if they became impoverished.
The Roman House
Atrium
-the most important space in a Roman house. The atrium is a large open central space. Here the Romans conducted their business and greeted their visitors. It usually opens to the garden. In the center of the atrium is the compluvism. This opening in the roof which allows the rainwater to collect in the impluvium. The impluvium is the pool where this water is stored.
The Public Space
Forum-
the political, legal and commercial centers. There are many fora (forum plural) in Rome. Caesar, Augustus, and Trajan were among the emperors who built fora. The forum is the place where public assemblies, court trials, games, and gladiatorial ceremonies were held. Shops and taverns were also located here.
Festive Days
Robigalia (April 25)
This day is named after Robigo, the god of the mildew that destroys crops. He has his own flamen. Festivities on this day includes prayer to the god and the sacrifice of a dog. It was believed that Sirius's (the dog star) light would harm crops.
Luperclia (February 15)
This holiday is named after lupa, a female wolf. During this day, purification ceremonies and fertility rites are performed. Basically, the Romans went home and cleaned their houses. Then, a select group of young men from the best family ran around nearly naked, and women who wanted to have children made sure they were hit by one of them. (HIT, NOT HIT!!!)
Saturnia (December 17-23)
This holiday was to honor the god Saturn who is associated with sowing and later, the Golden Age of Rome. This festive holiday marks the winter solace. Presents were exchanged. There were reversal of social roles where the slaves were allowed to be masters for a day. This holiday becomes important with time as the Romans tried to decide which day Christ was born on.
Patrons and Clients || The Roman House || The Public Space || Festive Days ||
-the most important space in a Roman house. The atrium is a large open central space. Here the Romans conducted their business and greeted their visitors. It usually opens to the garden. In the center of the atrium is the compluvism. This opening in the roof which allows the rainwater to collect in the impluvium. The impluvium is the pool where this water is stored.
the political, legal and commercial centers. There are many fora (forum plural) in Rome. Caesar, Augustus, and Trajan were among the emperors who built fora. The forum is the place where public assemblies, court trials, games, and gladiatorial ceremonies were held. Shops and taverns were also located here.
This day is named after Robigo, the god of the mildew that destroys crops. He has his own flamen. Festivities on this day includes prayer to the god and the sacrifice of a dog. It was believed that Sirius's (the dog star) light would harm crops.
Luperclia (February 15)
This holiday is named after lupa, a female wolf. During this day, purification ceremonies and fertility rites are performed. Basically, the Romans went home and cleaned their houses. Then, a select group of young men from the best family ran around nearly naked, and women who wanted to have children made sure they were hit by one of them. (HIT, NOT HIT!!!)
Saturnia (December 17-23)
This holiday was to honor the god Saturn who is associated with sowing and later, the Golden Age of Rome. This festive holiday marks the winter solace. Presents were exchanged. There were reversal of social roles where the slaves were allowed to be masters for a day. This holiday becomes important with time as the Romans tried to decide which day Christ was born on.