Discipline
Discipline was one of the greatest threats and most widely kept promise. It was used as motivation, and the thought of not being punished was what kept children from letting theirs eyes wander off of the teacher.
On many occasions, the teachers would have slaves hold down the offending boy, even though what he may have done was not a big deal, and whip him. This would even be done in front of the class to make an example.
On many occasions, the teachers would have slaves hold down the offending boy, even though what he may have done was not a big deal, and whip him. This would even be done in front of the class to make an example.
Discipline was also needed because the days were quite long for students, and weeks consisted of eight- on the ninth day would be market day and all the students would be extempt from going to school.
Lessons- Supplies
MEMORY
Unlike how books and lessons are used today, all lessons were memorized by heart. Books were quite expensive as the printing press hadn't been invented (by quite a while) and so was paper. Therefore, memorization was the only way to solve this problem.
I think that this is the most interesting thing about Roman education because these were just children really, and they had to learn everything without a blackboard to look on for help, or without a copy of a piece of literature to refresh their memory on the wording.
Unlike how books and lessons are used today, all lessons were memorized by heart. Books were quite expensive as the printing press hadn't been invented (by quite a while) and so was paper. Therefore, memorization was the only way to solve this problem.
I think that this is the most interesting thing about Roman education because these were just children really, and they had to learn everything without a blackboard to look on for help, or without a copy of a piece of literature to refresh their memory on the wording.
STILUS AND OTHER WRITING UTENSILS
The main writing material for most students until they could write well enough to use paper. It was sharp at one end and dull in the other, and would be used to write on special tablets. They also used quills plucked from birds. The ink was usually a bit gummy before water was put in to dilute it and make it better to write with.
The main writing material for most students until they could write well enough to use paper. It was sharp at one end and dull in the other, and would be used to write on special tablets. They also used quills plucked from birds. The ink was usually a bit gummy before water was put in to dilute it and make it better to write with.
This writing tablet and stylus show what students would have used.
TABULAE
This tablet, sometimes combined with others as well to make a makeshift book, was covered in wax. The less experienced writers would use this until they could write neatly enough to use papyrus- and I would tell you that it's made using Egyptian techniques on reeds that grow in the banks of rivers and that the parchment-like paper was a lot more sturdy than the paper we use today, but you already know that.
This tablet, sometimes combined with others as well to make a makeshift book, was covered in wax. The less experienced writers would use this until they could write neatly enough to use papyrus- and I would tell you that it's made using Egyptian techniques on reeds that grow in the banks of rivers and that the parchment-like paper was a lot more sturdy than the paper we use today, but you already know that.
A depiction of wax tablets used by students.
PAEDAGOGUS
These slaves, though not technically a supply per se, would escort the student to class, making sure the little boy behaved and payed attention in school. Another slave would often carry the materials.
These slaves, though not technically a supply per se, would escort the student to class, making sure the little boy behaved and payed attention in school. Another slave would often carry the materials.