Observations on Boys, Girls, Youths and Age Categories in Roman Sports and Spectacles

Abstract

This study is not intended to be a full discussion of all age categories in all sports and spectacles in ancient Italy, for space does not permit. Yet it does comment on certain aspects of boys (and to a lesser extent girls) in Greek-style athletics, age groups in Roman boys' events, the youth movement known as the iuvenes, equestrian parades, boys in gladiatorial and circus games, the mysterious pueri gymnici and other features. There will be seen to be a distinction between activities for boys of all classes, boys of a high social background, and those of low or servile origins. The Romans had an interest not only in the competition of boys, but also in their exhibition in various activities before the public. The primary sources for this review are largely the writings of the intellectuals, inscriptions such as dedications by parents and masters and iconography. [1 [1] Unfortunately, no evidence has survived from the children and youths themselves, so that we must rely on other data. For children in general in Rome and for further secondary literature, see Uzzi, Children in the Visual Arts of Imperial Rome and Rawson, Children and Childhood in Roman Italy. For Rome's ‘obsession’ with boys, we may cite the example of Domitian and his small confidante (Suetonius Dom. 4. 2. 2). ]

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