Meeting death in childhood

Title: Meeting death in childhood
Source document: Graeco-Latina Brunensia. 2018, vol. 23, iss. 1, pp. 5-19
Extent
5-19
  • ISSN
    1803-7402 (print)
    2336-4424 (online)
Type: Article
Language
License: Not specified license
 

Notice: These citations are automatically created and might not follow citation rules properly.

Abstract(s)
In ancient societies the mortality rate was at a far higher level than as we know it today. Especially childhood was a very dangerous phase of life and children were faced with death much more often – as potential victims or as witnesses of death in their family or community. Death was a rather common occurrence, and not some distant abstract concept. The Romans considered childhood a tender age requiring forming and protection. Can there be found any forms of "protection from death" – ritual, physical or psychological? And more importantly – can we (using an interdisciplinary approach) learn more about these children as witnesses of death in Roman society and about the children's experience with death and their agency when facing it?
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