Experiencing Old Age in Ancient Rome


Book Description

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.




Old Age in the Roman World


Book Description

"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.




Growing Up and Growing Old in Ancient Rome


Book Description

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.




Children in the Roman Empire


Book Description

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




Blacks in Antiquity


Book Description

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.




Daily Life in Ancient Rome - The People and the City at the Height of the Empire


Book Description

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.




Rome the Second Time


Book Description

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.




Age and Ageing in the Roman Empire


Book Description

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.




If I Were a Kid in Ancient Rome


Book Description

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.




Why America Is Not a New Rome


Book Description

An investigation of the America-Rome analogy that goes deeper than the facile comparisons made on talk shows and in glossy magazine articles. America's post–Cold War strategic dominance and its pre-recession affluence inspired pundits to make celebratory comparisons to ancient Rome at its most powerful. Now, with America no longer perceived as invulnerable, engaged in protracted fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, and suffering the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, comparisons are to the bloated, decadent, ineffectual later Empire. In Why America Is Not a New Rome, Vaclav Smil looks at these comparisons in detail, going deeper than the facile analogy-making of talk shows and glossy magazine articles. He finds profound differences. Smil, a scientist and a lifelong student of Roman history, focuses on several fundamental concerns: the very meaning of empire; the actual extent and nature of Roman and American power; the role of knowledge and innovation; and demographic and economic basics—population dynamics, illness, death, wealth, and misery. America is not a latter-day Rome, Smil finds, and we need to understand this in order to look ahead without the burden of counterproductive analogies. Superficial similarities do not imply long-term political, demographic, or economic outcomes identical to Rome's.