Roman student

Development of Education in Ancient Rome

  • 753 BCE

    753 BC-Mid 3rd Century

    753 BC-Mid 3rd Century
    At this time in Ancient Rome, education was very basic. The main educators of a child were the child's parents. (Crystalinks)
  • 350 BCE

    Mid 4th Century BC-About 350 BC

    Mid 4th Century BC-About 350 BC
    At this time, the Plebeian class has come to power politically and the first schools in Rome are developed. The schools are referred to as "Ludi" (Latin for "play"). (Crystalinks)
  • 272 BCE

    272 BCE

    Romans have Greek influence in their education system. Due to this, the study of arts becomes more important and prominent. (Crystalinks)
  • 250 BCE

    Second Half of 3rd Century BCE-Roughly 250 BCE

    Spurius Carvilius initiates the first school where a fee is required. This act makes teaching an actual profession in Ancient Rome. (Crystalinks)
  • 239 BCE

    239-169 BCE

    239-169 BCE
    Ennius, known as the "Father of Roman Poetry" comes into play at this time. Before his presence in Ancient Roman education, Rome did not have too much literature. (Crystalinks)
  • 161 BCE

    161 BCE

    Tutors now have a great impact on their students. Due to this, many rhetoricians and philosophers are dismissed by the Roman government. They are seen as not having the same great influence on the students as the tutors do. (Crystalinks)
  • 150 BCE

    Second Century BCE, 199-100

    Schools surface in Rome. Normally only the wealthy Roman boys are taught. Corporal punishment is a large part of education at this time. (Simkin)
  • 92 BCE

    92 BC

    The Patricians are concerned about the teachers being able to properly educate the students. Due to this, teachers in Rome are removed. The Senate is worried that teachers are teaching Greek philosophy in the schools. The philosophy of the Greeks could be seen as contrary as to what they want their Roman students to be learning. (Simkin)
  • 99

    First Century AD, 99-0

    First Century AD, 99-0
    Quintilian, an educational specialist, feels that schools are superior to tutors. He feels that students competing against each other while in school is healthy and thus raises the bar.
    (Simkin)
  • 200

    200 AD

    200 AD
    At this time, most common Roman children still did not attend school (they worked). Normally, only the rich wealthy boys were educated as they had been in years past. They were taught to read and write. They were also taught some simple mathematics. Traditional paper had not been invented yet, so their school work was done on scrolls of papyrus. (Carr)