Unsettling Laws And Customs That Were Totally Normal In Ancient Rome
Although Rome may have been the cradle of modern Western civilization, history shows us that the Roman way of life included some bizarre practices that we can't wrap our heads around today. From backward laws to nauseating everyday tasks, these are the innovations that scholars tend to forget about. Good thing we left them in the past!
1. Baths for All
One of ancient Rome’s equalizers was their public baths. Unlike other luxuries of the time, it was enjoyed by all, from slaves to emperors! Although you would see Romans from many different walks of life mingling in the nude, the bathhouses were usually strictly segregated by gender.
2. Paterfamilias
In ancient Rome, the patriarchy definitely had its way. The society was dominated by the male head of household, otherwise known as the “father of the family.” On top of being the provider, the male was also a religious figure in ancient Rome, overseeing ceremonies and generally being the family’s main connection to God. And you thought your dad was full of himself!
3. Materfamilias
Mothers had a different role. After being married off to her husband, her loyalty shifts from her father’s house to her husband’s, though she still kept up appearances with dad.
4. Nephew Hack
Having a son was crucial to restarting the family line. If a man didn’t have one of his own, however, it was legal for him to take the nephew of a distant family member!
