Experiencing Old Age In Ancient Rome

Old age today is a contentious topic. It can be seen as a demographic timebomb or as a resource of wisdom and experience to be valued and exploited. There is frequent debate over how we value the elderly, and whether ageing is an affliction to be treated or a natural process to be embraced. Karen Cokayne explores how ancient Rome dealt with the physical, intellectual and emotional implications of the ageing process, and asks how the Romans themselves experienced and responded to old age. Drawing on a wide range of contemporary material - written sources, inscriptions, and visual evidence - the study brings into focus universal concerns, including geriatric illness, memory loss and senility; the status and role of the old, sexuality and family relationships. The book's unique emphasis on both the individual and society's responses to ageing makes it a valuable contribution to the study of the social history of Rome.

"Noting that privileges granted to the aged generally took the form of exemptions from duties rather than positive benefits, Tim Parkin argues that the elderly were granted no privileged status or guaranteed social role. At the same time, they were permitted - and expected - to continue to participate actively in society for as long as they were able."--BOOK JACKET.

Throughout history, every culture has had its own ideas on what growing up and growing old means, with variations between chronological, biological and social ageing, and with different emphases on the critical stages and transitions from birth to death. This volume is the first to highlight the role of age in determining behaviour, and expectations of behaviour, across the life span of an inhabitant of ancient Rome. Drawing on developments in the social sciences, as well as ancient evidence, the authors focus on the period c.200BC - AD200, looking at childhood, the transition to adulthood, maturity, and old age. They explore how both the individual and society were involved in, and reacted to, these different stages, in terms of gender, wealth and status, and personal choice and empowerment.

This book illuminates the lives of the 'forgotten' children of ancient Rome and draws parallels and contrasts with contemporary society.

Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

Designed for the tourist seeking a fresh, authentic, Roman experience, this intimate, stimulating guide explores Rome's splendid modern architecture, its bustling close-in neighborhoods, and its rivers, magnificent fountains, and aqueducts. Itineraries take the reader to Fascist and occupied Rome of World War II, the nearby Alban Hills, and the Eternal City's lesser-known green spaces. Innovative chapters feature cultural and artistic Rome, including art galleries, jazz clubs, film locations, and rooftop bars--even places that offer a sumptuous (and free) "vernissage" of wine and hors d'oeuvres. With Bill and Dianne as guides-their voices part of the experience-the curious traveler will discover a housing project built under Mussolini; ascend a little-known holy Roman road on the city's outskirts; spend an evening in the out-of-the-way, artsy neighborhood of Pigneto; enjoy a trattoria where only Italians eat; and, among the book's many informative, creative "sidebars," find in one the troubling story of Rome's Jewish community, and in another locate sites in "Angels & Demons." 16 maps, 70 photos, an index, and detailed directions and instructions (including websites) make this "new" Rome easily accessible. For the frugally-minded, at times adventurous (at times armchair) traveler. Foreword by Rome Mayor Walter Veltroni.

Life for youngsters in ancient Rome was both different and similar to today. There were schools, but only wealthy children attended them. There were pets, but monkeys and magpies were popular as well as dogs and cats. Baths were a must, but most children took them at one of the city's 1,000 public baths. Even the favorite hangout of contemporary youngsters, the mall, originated in Rome. This book explores one of the world's great historic cultures, from its religious life to its distinctive cuisine, as experienced by its younger members.

Rome was the largest city in the ancient world. As the capital of the Roman Empire, it was clearly an exceptional city in terms of size, diversity and complexity. While the Colosseum, imperial palaces and Pantheon are among its most famous features, this volume explores Rome primarily as a city in which many thousands of men and women were born, lived and died. The thirty-one chapters by leading historians, classicists and archaeologists discuss issues ranging from the monuments and the games to the food and water supply, from policing and riots to domestic housing, from death and disease to pagan cults and the impact of Christianity. Richly illustrated, the volume introduces groundbreaking new research against the background of current debates and is designed as a readable survey accessible in particular to undergraduates and non-specialists.

Twelve articles based on papers delivered at the Roman Archaeology Conference (Birmingham 2005). Topics are: Inscriptions from Rome and the history of childhood; Children for profit and pleasure; Growing up in Ravenna; The life course of Jews; The female life course at Pompeii; Age and the Roman army; Age and male sexuality: 'queer space' in the Roman bath-house? Age, ageism and osteological bias; The influence of culture upon childhood based upon an osteological study; Male perceptions of the female life couirse -- the case of Aemilia Pudentilla; Age and aristocratic self-identity: activities for the elderly.

Investigates the participation of black Africans, usually referred to as "Ethiopians," by the Greek and Romans, in classical civilization, concluding that they were accepted by pagans and Christians without prejudice.