The primary distinction between Greek and Roman education is that Greek education emphasized the precise study of mathematics and science, whereas Roman education did not. Roman education was built upon Greek education. Both systems only focused on educating boys from wealthy and elite families. Poor boys were left to find jobs, while girls were taught to read and write at home, trained in household chores, and prepared to be good wives.
Key Takeaways
- Greek education was centered on producing good citizens and involved the study of mathematics and science.
- Roman education was based on Greek education but incorporated Roman religious beliefs, politics, and cosmology.
- Both Greek and Roman education systems were exclusive to boys from wealthy families, leaving poor children and girls without formal education opportunities.
What is Greek Education?
Greek education prevailed in Greece and was structured to support political and social life at the time. Its goal was to create good citizens. Greek education had both formal and informal components. Formal education was limited to boys from elite families, as parents had to provide funding and a location for education, which was not supported by the state. Boys were taught at home until the age of six, then entered formal schooling at seven. These schools were governed by a triumvirate of schoolmasters, including kitharistes (music teachers), grammatistes (writing and grammar teachers), and paidotribes (those responsible for the physical aspect of a child’s education).
By the time these boys were 14 or 16, they completed formal schooling and could then pursue a trade, higher education, or join the army. Being from elite families, they also had the option to enter politics and public affairs. However, even at the height of Greek civilization, the majority of people were uneducated due to discrimination in providing formal education. In Sparta, education was focused on war and battle, with boys receiving a rigorous military education organized by the state. Girls were also trained alongside boys in Sparta.
Ancient Greece was a patriarchal society where women were expected to manage the household. Girls were not given formal education and were instead trained by their mothers in domestic chores.
What is Roman Education?
Roman education was based on Greek education, incorporating Roman religious beliefs, politics, and cosmology. Only wealthy boys received formal education, excluding poor children and girls from formal education opportunities. Poor boys were taught to work in jobs such as running farms, acting, or managing businesses. Girls were taught at home and learned music, sewing, household chores, and how to be good wives.
Roman schools instructed children in reading, writing, public speaking, and subjects like math, Greek, Latin, and literature, depending on their age. Schools typically had one room with one teacher. Teachers were poorly paid and worked long hours. If boys answered incorrectly or spoke without permission, they were severely punished – whipped or caned. In schools, everything was dictated since books were expensive and not used.
What is the Difference Between Greek and Roman Education?
Roman education was based on Greek education. The key difference between Greek and Roman education is that Greek education involved the precise study of mathematics and science while Roman education did not.
Summary – Greek vs Roman Education
Greek education prevailed in Greece and was structured to support political and social life at the time. It was conducted in Greek and involved studying Homer, mathematics, and science. Greek academies such as Plato’s Academy and Aristotle’s Lyceum were famous worldwide at the time. Roman education was based on Greek education, incorporating Roman religious beliefs, politics, and cosmology. Roman education began much later. Although Latin was predominantly spoken, books were written in Greek, so students had to translate them into Latin and learn. Romans prioritized studying history and did not specifically focus on mathematics and science. Even during the Roman Empire, Roman academies were not as popular as those in Greece. Thus, this is the summary of the difference between Greek and Roman education.
Reference:
1. “Education in Ancient Greece.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 16 Nov. 2021.
2. “Education in Ancient Rome.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 16 Nov. 2021.Image Courtesy:
1. “Aristotle Bust White Background Transparent” By jlorenz1 (CC BY 2.5) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Roman school” By user:shakko – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
