Hard-working, god-fearing peasants are likely to lead
clean and sober lives. This was certainly true of the early Romans. They were a
manly breed, abstemious in food and drink, iron-willed, vigorous, and strong. Deep
down in the Roman's heart was the proud conviction that Rome should rule over
all her neighbors. For this he freely shed his blood; for this he bore
hardship, however severe, without complaint. Before everything else, he was a
dutiful citizen and a true patriot. Such were the sturdy men who on their farms
in Latium formed the backbone of the Roman state. Their character has set its
mark on history for all time.
THE ROMAN FAMILY
The family formed the unit of Roman society. Its most
marked feature was the unlimited authority of the father. In his house he
reigned an absolute king. His wife had no legal rights: he could sell her into
slavery or divorce her at will. Nevertheless, no ancient people honored women
more highly than the Romans. A Roman wife was the mistress of the home, as her
husband was its master. Though her education was not carried far, we often find
the Roman matron taking a lively interest in affairs of state, and aiding her
husband both in politics and business. It was the women, as well as the men,
who helped to make Rome great among the nations. Over his unmarried daughters
and his sons, the Roman father ruled as supreme as over his wife. He brought up
his children to be sober, silent, modest in their bearing, and, above all,
obedient. Their misdeeds he might punish with penalties as severe as
banishment, slavery, or death. As head of the family he could claim all their
earnings; everything they had was his. The father's great authority ceased only
with his death. Then his sons, in turn, became lords over their families.
