The Development of Roman Schools and Education

Education develops as a nation progresses. Roman education paralleled the growth of the Roman state. Thus we find three stages in the development of education, corresponding to the development and expansion of Rome. In the first period of the early Republic, education was elementary and solely a preparation for life and service to the state. In the second period, when Rome is expanding, fighting the Punic war, and extending its boundaries, education is coming under the Greek influence and culture. In the third period, when Rome is an empire, a world state, education is Graeco-Roman; broadened and expanded to include that culture which the people of a world state demand. The Romans, now that they have conquered the world, have time for aesthetic development, moreover, the greatest profession is that of the orator, and the successful orator must have a well balanced cultural training