A glimpse of teenage life in ancient Rome - Ray Laurence

Summary

On March 17th, A.D. 73, the script transports viewers to ancient Rome during the Liberalia, a festival celebrating the liberty of its citizens. We follow Lucius Popidius Secundus, a 17-year-old from the Subura, as he navigates the milestones of adulthood, education, and family responsibilities. The narrative paints a vivid picture of daily life, from the bustling streets to the communal baths and intimate dinners, all under the looming shadow of Rome's eternal warfare and the uncertain future under Emperor Domitian.

Takeaways

• 🗓️ The script is set in ancient Rome on March 17th, A.D. 73, during the Liberalia festival celebrating the liberty of Roman citizens.
• 🏘️ Lucius Popidius Secundus, a 17-year-old from the Subura, a poorer neighborhood, is introduced, highlighting the living conditions and risks of the area.
• 👦 Lucius' 15-year-old brother is coming of age, an important milestone given the high child mortality rate in ancient Rome.
• 📿 The bulla, a protective amulet, is placed in the household shrine, symbolizing the transition from childhood to adulthood.
• 🎓 Lucius has almost completed his education, learning to speak well, make public speeches, and read and write Latin and Greek.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Lucius has also learned practical skills from his father, such as running, swimming, and fighting, which are not taught in the classroom.
• 🛡️ At 17, Lucius could choose to become a military tribune, indicating the potential for military service as a career path.
• 👨‍👧‍ Despite his age, Lucius is not yet trusted with business deals or marriage arrangements, which are managed by his father until he is 25.
• 🏛️ The script describes a visit to the Forum Augustus, where statues of Rome's famous warriors and generals are located, emphasizing the importance of history and legacy.
• 🛁 The family visits the Baths of Agrippa, illustrating the social and hygienic customs of bathing in ancient Rome.
• 🥂 A celebratory dinner is held, showcasing the intimate and lavish dining experience of the Roman elite, with slaves attending to their needs.
• 🌆 The day concludes with drinking and revelry, hinting at the hedonistic aspects of Roman society, with slaves ready to assist in case of overindulgence.
• 🏛️ The script ends with a foreboding note about the future reign of terror under Emperor Domitian, leaving the fate of Lucius uncertain.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Liberalia festival in ancient Rome?

The Liberalia festival celebrated the liberty of Rome's citizens and was an annual event marking an important milestone in the lives of young men coming of age.

Where did Lucius Popidius Secundus live in Rome?

Lucius lived in the Subura, a poorer neighborhood in Rome, which was close to the city center but known for its cramped living conditions and frequent fires.

What was the purpose of the bulla in the life of a young Roman boy?

The bulla was a protective amulet worn by young boys in ancient Rome. It was placed in the household shrine with a prayer of thanks once the boy reached adulthood, symbolizing its role in protecting him until that point.

What kind of education did Lucius receive?

Lucius received an education that included learning to speak well, make public speeches, and read and write both Latin and Greek. His father also taught him practical skills such as running, swimming, and fighting.

What career option was available to Lucius at the age of 17?

At 17, Lucius could choose to become a military tribune, commanding soldiers on the edge of the Empire.

Why was Lucius not trusted to arrange business deals?

Lucius was still considered a child in certain aspects of Roman society, and his father would take care of business arrangements until Lucius turned 25.

What role did the father play in Lucius' future marriage?

Lucius' father was responsible for arranging his marriage to a girl who was 10 years younger, with a particular interest in a family that had a 7-year-old daughter.

What was the significance of the Forum Augustus in the context of the Liberalia festival?

Fathers and uncles took their children to the Forum Augustus to see statues of Rome's famous warriors and founders, using the occasion to remember and retell stories of Rome's glory and lessons on living well.

What was the typical bathing experience like for Romans at the Baths of Agrippa?

The bathing experience involved moving from a cold room to a tepid room and then to a very hot room. Bathers were massaged, oiled, and scraped down with a strigil to remove dirt.

What was the dining arrangement like during the celebratory dinner in Lucius' home?

The dinner was an intimate affair with nine people reclining around a low table, attended by slaves who catered to their every need for food and wine.

What historical event is hinted at the end of the script regarding Lucius' future?

The script hints at the reign of terror under Emperor Domitian, the youngest son of Emperor Vespasian, and raises the question of whether Lucius would survive during that time.

Outlines

00:00

🎉 Festival of Liberty and Coming of Age

The script introduces us to the Liberalia, a festival celebrating the liberty of Roman citizens, on March 17th, A.D. 73. It focuses on Lucius Popidius Secundus, a 17-year-old from the Subura district. Despite living in a poorer area, Lucius' family is not destitute. The day is significant as his younger brother reaches adulthood, a rare feat in ancient Rome. Lucius himself is well-educated, with skills in public speaking and literacy in Latin and Greek. He has also been taught practical skills by his father, such as running, swimming, and fighting. Although he has the option to become a military tribune, he is still considered a child in certain societal aspects, such as business and marriage, which his father will arrange for him. The paragraph concludes with a description of the bustling city life during the festival, including visits to the Forum Augustus to honor Rome's warriors and the daily routines of the city's inhabitants.

05:01

🛁 Roman Bathing Rituals and Family Celebrations

This paragraph describes the Roman bathing culture and a family's daily life and celebrations. Lucius and his family visit the Baths of Agrippa, where they experience a progression from dark, steamy rooms to well-lit spaces, thanks to advanced window glass technology. The bathing process includes moving through rooms of varying temperatures and being scraped down with a strigil to remove dirt. After more than an hour at the baths, they return home for a celebratory dinner with nine people reclining around a low table, attended to by slaves. The day ends with the sound of wagons and the continuation of drinking at Lucius' house, where slaves are ready to assist in case of overindulgence. The paragraph hints at the uncertain future under Emperor Domitian's reign of terror, leaving the audience to ponder Lucius' fate.

Keywords

💡Liberalia

Liberalia is an annual festival celebrated in ancient Rome that honors the liberty of Rome's citizens. It is a key event in the script, as it sets the historical and cultural backdrop of the video. The festival is particularly significant as it is the occasion during which the main character, Lucius Popidius Secundus, and his family partake in various activities, reflecting the social and religious aspects of Roman life.

💡Subura

Subura is a neighborhood in ancient Rome known for being a poorer region, yet centrally located. It is significant in the script as it is where Lucius resides, indicating his social status and the living conditions of the time. The Subura is depicted as a densely populated area with frequent fires, which provides insight into the challenges faced by the inhabitants of this district.

💡Bulla

A bulla is a protective amulet worn by Roman children, symbolizing their innocence and the protection granted by the gods. In the script, Lucius' brother places his bulla in the household shrine as a rite of passage into adulthood, signifying the end of childhood and the beginning of a new phase in life, which is a central theme in the video.

💡Toga

The toga is a traditional garment worn in ancient Rome, particularly during important ceremonies and events. In the script, Lucius' brother stands in his new toga before the household shrine, which signifies his coming of age and transition into adulthood. The toga serves as a visual symbol of status and maturity in Roman society.

💡Education

Education in the context of the script refers to the classical training Lucius has received, including oratory, reading, and writing in Latin and Greek. His education is a key aspect of his upbringing, preparing him for his future role in Roman society. The script highlights the importance of both formal and practical education, as imparted by Lucius' father.

💡Military tribune

A military tribune in ancient Rome was a high-ranking officer who commanded soldiers, often on the frontiers of the empire. The script presents this as a potential career path for Lucius at the age of 17, illustrating the martial tradition and the opportunities available to young Roman men of his status.

💡Forum Augustus

The Forum Augustus is a significant location in ancient Rome, known for its statues of Rome's famous warriors and generals. In the script, it is a place where fathers and uncles take their children to learn about Rome's history and glory. This location is integral to the theme of the video, as it represents the transmission of cultural values and the importance of historical legacy.

💡Baths of Agrippa

The Baths of Agrippa were large public bathhouses in ancient Rome, known for their architectural grandeur and social significance. In the script, Lucius and his family visit these baths, which were not only places for hygiene but also for socializing and relaxation. The visit to the baths is depicted as a routine part of Roman daily life, reflecting the importance of communal activities in society.

💡Strigil

A strigil is a curved metal tool used by Romans to scrape off oil and dirt from the skin after bathing. In the script, the use of the strigil illustrates the bathing process and the meticulous attention to personal cleanliness in Roman culture. It is an example of the practical aspects of the bathing ritual described in the video.

💡Emperor Vespasian

Emperor Vespasian was a Roman ruler known for his successful reign, which is mentioned in the script as a historical context for Lucius' future. The script hints at the reign of Vespasian's son, Domitian, who would later bring terror to Rome. This reference to the imperial family ties the personal story of Lucius to the broader political and historical narrative of the Roman Empire.

💡Domitian

Domitian, the son of Emperor Vespasian, is alluded to in the script as the future emperor who would bring a reign of terror to Rome. The mention of Domitian foreshadows potential challenges and uncertainties in Lucius' future, adding a layer of suspense and historical depth to the video's narrative.

Highlights

Lucius Popidius Secundus, a 17-year-old from a modest background in the Subura, is the focus of the story.

The Liberalia festival celebrates the liberty of Rome's citizens, with Lucius' family participating.

Lucius' 15-year-old brother is coming of age, a significant milestone given high child mortality rates in ancient Rome.

The bulla, a protective amulet, is placed in the household shrine, symbolizing the transition to adulthood.

Lucius has almost completed his education, learning Latin, Greek, public speaking, and more.

Practical skills like running, swimming, and fighting are taught by Lucius' father, outside of formal education.

At 17, Lucius has the option to become a military tribune, indicating potential career paths in the Roman Empire.

Despite his age, Lucius is not yet trusted with arranging business deals, reflecting the social structure and age hierarchy.

Lucius' father plans to arrange his marriage to a much younger girl, showcasing the family and social dynamics of the time.

The city of Rome is bustling with activity, including itinerant traders and people going about their daily business.

Fathers and uncles take children to the Forum Augustus to learn about Rome's history and famous warriors.

The Baths of Agrippa represent the social and hygienic practices of ancient Rome, with a progression from cold to hot rooms.

Roman baths feature advanced window glass, showcasing the technological advancements of the time.

The bathing process includes massages, oiling, and scraping with a strigil, highlighting the importance of cleanliness and relaxation.

A celebratory dinner with nine people reclining around a low table, attended by slaves, depicts the social customs and class distinctions.

The day concludes with drinking and socializing, reflecting the social life and potential excesses of Roman society.

The narrative foreshadows the reign of terror under Emperor Domitian, adding a layer of historical context to Lucius' future.

Transcripts

Translator: tom carter Reviewer: Bedirhan Cinar

It's March the 17th in A.D. 73.

We're visiting ancient Rome to watch the Liberalia,

an annual festival that celebrates the liberty of Rome's citizens.

We're looking in at a 17-year-old named Lucius Popidius Secundus.

He's not from a poor family, but he lives in the region known as the Subura,

a poorer neighborhood in Rome, yet close to the center of the city.

(Gong)

The tenants of these apartments are crammed in,

(Grunting)

which poses considerable risk.

Fires are frequent and the smell of ash and smoke in the morning is not uncommon.

Lucius, who awoke at dawn, has family duties to perform today.

(Cheering)

His 15-year-old brother is coming of age.

Half the children in ancient Rome die before they reach adulthood,

so this is a particularly important milestone.

Lucius watches his brother stand in his new toga

before the household shrine with its protective deities,

as he places his bulla, a protective amulet,

in the shrine with a prayer of thanks.

The bulla had worked. It had protected him.

Unlike many others, he had survived to become an adult.

At 17, Lucius has almost completed his education.

He has learned to speak well, make public speeches,

and how to read and write both Latin and Greek.

His father has taught him the types of things

you can't learn in the classroom:

how to run,

how to swim,

and how to fight.

Lucius could choose, at 17, to become a military tribune

and command soldiers on the edge of the Empire.

But in other ways, Lucius is still a child.

He's not trusted to arrange business deals.

His father will take care of that until he is 25.

And Dad will arrange Lucius' marriage to a girl 10 years younger.

His dad has his eye on a family with a 7-year-old daughter.

Back to the Liberalia.

As Lucius leaves with his family,

the shops are open as the population goes about its business.

The streets are full of itinerant traders selling trinkets

and people bustling from place to place.

Large wagons are not allowed in the city until after the ninth hour

but the streets are still crowded.

Fathers and uncles take the kids to the Forum Augustus

to see statues of Rome's famous warriors

like Aeneas, who led Rome's ancestors, the Trojans, to Italy.

And Romulus, Rome's founder.

And all the great generals of the Republic from more than 100 years earlier.

Lovingly, we can imagine fathers and guardians

with their now adult children

remembering stories of Rome's glory

and re-telling the good deeds and sayings of the great men of the past:

lessons on how to live well,

and to overcome the follies of youth.

There is a sense of history in this place, relevant to their present.

Romans made an empire without end in time and space.

(Thump)

Rome was destined to be eternal through warfare.

Wars were a fact of life, even in A.D. 73.

There are campaigns in the north of England and into Scotland,

to the north of the River Danube into Romania,

and on the frontier between Syria and Iraq to the east.

It's now the eighth hour -- time to head for the baths.

Lucius and his family head up the Via Lata, the wide street,

to the Campus Martius, and the enormous Baths of Agrippa.

The family members leave the clients and freedmen outside,

and enter the baths with their peer group.

Baths would change from dark, steamy rooms to light ones.

The Romans had perfected window glass.

Everyone moves from the cold room

to the tepid room

and to the very hot room.

(Man) Oops!

More than an hour later, the bathers leave

massaged, oiled,

(Whistling)

and have been scraped down with a strigil

to remove the remaining dirt.

At the ninth hour, seven hours after they left home,

the men return for a celebratory dinner.

Dinner is an intimate affair,

with nine people reclining around the low table.

Slaves attend to their every need

if the diners, through gestures, demand more food and wine.

As the day closes, we can hear the rumble of wagons outside.

The clients and freedmen,

with a meal of robust -- if inferior -- food inside them,

shuffle off to the now tepid baths

before returning to their apartment blocks.

Back at Lucius' house, the drinking continues into the night.

Lucius and his stepbrother don't look too well.

A slave stands by in case either of them needs to vomit.

With hindsight, we know Lucius' future.

In 20 years' time, the Emperor Vespasian's youngest son, Domitian, as emperor,

will enact a reign of terror.

Will Lucius survive?

(Drums)