Primary Music KS2: Romans - 4. Oh, the strata of society

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Exploring the layers of Roman society...from Emperor down to slave.

Introduction

Back in Rome, Mercury's 'Mystery Tour' takes us on a trip around the different classes of Roman society, including a fashion parade showing how the way people dressed reflected their status and power (from Emperor, to Senator, to Equestrian, to Plebeian, to Slave).

In listening sound-pictures, we visit the streets and the bathhouse and think about sounds to suggest the Forum, theatre, arena and a countryside villa.

The song is sung ‘with decorum’ and features precise words, well-timed rest-notes and gentle step-by-step jumps in the melody.

The song: 'Oh, the strata of society'

Song 4: 'Oh, the Strata of Society' (Vocal). Sing along to the full-vocal version of the song 'Oh, the strata of society'

Oh, the strata
Of society,
Down from Emperor to slave,
Oh, they tell you
What you ought to do
And just how you should behave
And the manners
That you have to show
When superiors you pass...
Roman people,
Neatly organized,
Into layers, class by class.

From the toga
With a purple stripe,
To the sack-cloth down below,
Know your status
In society,
What you wear and who you know,
Status symbols?
Own a villa
And a garden and a horse...
Make your slaves do
What you want them to,
When you want them to, of course.

At the bathhouse
Are you pampered?
At the theatre, where’s your seat?
Are you wealthy?
Are you healthy?
Are you part of the elite?
Yes, the senator
And the citizen,
Seeking privilege, no doubt...
Seeking power, seeking influence,
Are they ‘in’, or are they ‘out’?