Education in Ancient Rome: From the Elder Cato to the Younger Pliny

Education in Ancient Rome (1977) examines the development, structure and role of education from the third century B.C. to the time of Trajan, a period which saw great changes in Roman society. It provides a historical background, showing the effects upon the educational system of Rome’s transition from an agricultural community to a great metropolis, tracing the development of primary, grammar and rhetoric schools, and discussing the standards of upbringing and education. The book then looks at the physical conditions of teaching - accommodation, equipment, discipline, the economic position of teachers, the fee-paying system, and the part played by the Roman State. Finally, it gives a full appraisal of the standard Roman teaching programme.