The pater familias was the highest-ranking member, the head of the Roman family. He had unlimited power over his familia, owned the property and wealth, and represented the household in public.

In the families of Roman citizens girls were prepared for their future roles as a wives and mothers, while boys were made ready to take up their position as head of the family and to be a good citizen. Children of wealthier families went to school from the age of 6 or 7. They learnt to read, write and do arithmetic. Children from poorer backgrounds, however, had no option but to work.