Mos maiorum
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 |
This article does not cite any references or sources. (February 2008) Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed. |
The mos maiorum (lit. ways of the ancestors) were the ancestral traditions, an unwritten code of laws and conduct, of the ancient Romans. It institutionalized cultural traditions, societal mores, and general policies, as distinct from specific laws.
The eight cornerstones of mos maiorum were:
- fides — fidelity, loyalty, faith
- pietas — piety, devotion, patriotism, duty
- religio — religious scruple, reverence for higher power(s), strictness of observance, conscientiousness precision of conduct
- disciplina — discipline, diligence
- constantia — firmness, steadiness
- gravitas — seriousness, dignity, authority
- parsimonia — frugality
- severitas — strictness in the moral sense
It was partially typified by a respect for fathers and husbands and acknowledgement of one's subservience to them. One of the best illustrations of this tradition is found in the writings of Cato the Elder.
 |
This law-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
