Relationships and Roman society

This topic explores the social structures and interpersonal relationships that defined Roman society, from the household to the public sphere. Central to this is the Roman family (familia), which included not just blood relatives but also slaves and freedmen under the authority of the paterfamilias (the male head of the household). Students will examine the roles of men, women, children, and slaves, as well as the importance of marriage, patronage, and friendship (amicitia) in maintaining social order. Understanding these relationships is key to grasping how Roman power and culture were sustained across the Republic and Empire.

The topic also covers the legal and moral frameworks governing relationships, such as the laws of marriage (e.g., manus and sine manu), divorce, and adoption. Students will analyse primary sources like the letters of Pliny the Younger and the satires of Juvenal to see how ideals of behaviour clashed with reality. This topic matters because it reveals how Romans defined status, honour, and duty — concepts that influenced everything from politics to religion. It also helps students compare Roman society with modern Western values, highlighting both similarities and stark differences.

Within the OCR GCSE Classical Civilisation specification, 'Relationships and Roman society' is part of the 'Roman City Life' component. It connects to other topics like entertainment, religion, and politics, as relationships were the glue that held Roman public and private life together. By mastering this topic, students gain a deeper appreciation of how Romans thought about identity, power, and community — essential for analysing any aspect of Roman civilisation.