CLASSICS 2K03 Lecture Notes - Lecture 32: Rickets, Malnutrition, Scurvy
15 Apr 2017
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Document Summary
One of several material examples that represents rome"s special intrigue in death & morbidity. Constant reminder of mortality for the romans- encouraged the living to enjoy their lives & short-lived pleasures. These images don"t invite serious contemplation of body & soul- inspired by epicurean philosophy, if death were a certainty & life were short, then it should be filled with fun, just as it should virtue. Contexts in which many of these objects found suggests good humor. Life expectancy at birth fell in the age range of 20-30 years. 22417: "mercurius lived twenty-five years, six months, twenty days, & four hours. His very loving brother & his mistress julia provided this memorial for him because he was well deserving. " One name suggests that he was likely a slave- mistress julia may have owned him. Sources of evidence very problematic such that roman demographers provide. 2187: "publius malius firminus lived twenty-four years, three months, & twenty-seven days.
