Development of Education in Ancient Rome

753 BC-Mid 3rd Century

753 BCE

At this time in Ancient Rome, education was very basic. The main educators of a child were the child's parents. (Crystalinks)

Mid 4th Century BC-About 350 BC

350 BCE

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)

Second Half of 3rd Century BCE-Roughly 250 BCE

250 BCE

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

239-169 BCE

239 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)

Second Century BCE, 199-100

150 BCE

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 BC

92 BCE

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)

First Century AD, 99-0

99

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 AD

200

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)