Tabellae Baebiae

Along with the Gens Baebia Saguntina we shall know the daily routine of a Roman family.

This will be posible, in part, thanks to Grattia Maximilla , wife of Lucius Baebius Hispanus , who engraved her thoughts and experiences on small record sheets that have survived the passing of time until today.

Through a series of games, activities and explanations, the understanding of a Roman family in Sagunto could not be easier.

tabella Grattia’s tabella begins with a text written in first person by the mater familias of the Domus Baebia herself. Taking that as the basis, we offer a series of Q&A related to the content learnt by students in the Classical Culture lesson.

These questions, more than 180 in total, will require reflection and will help to consolidate the learnt lessons. There will also be other sort of questions and activities, funnier in nature, which will need creativity and imagination.

Each type of activity has a different icon: a papyrus for the reflexive questions; an sculptor for handicraft activities; an asleep child for the quizzes; and a couple of actors for the most creative games, in which we shall let our imagination run riot.

TABELLA I: De Domo Baebia (Baebia’s house in Saguntum)

In this tabella, Grattia Maximilla will describe the domus Baebia, located next to Diana’s Temple, in the ascent way to reach the forum and the theatre of Sagunto. A series of various teaching resources are offered in this activity to learn more about the domus.

Authors: Charo Marco i Amparo Moreno

TABELLA II: Tempus fugit (A day with the Baebii Saguntini)

In the tabella II, Grattia Maximilla will tell us about the daily routine in the Baebia house. She will describe the activities of all family members, as well as the instruments used to measure time. We shall know her son, Lucius Baebius Fulvius, who stands for the elections.

Authors: Charo Marco i Amparo Moreno

TABELLA III: De Ludis Romanis (A game's day)

In this tabella,we shall learn how Roman games in general, and children games specifically, were, with the company of young Baebia Fulvia. Games of chances and gambling was common back then too.
In fact, we have not invented many new games since the Roman epoch, and many of our ways of entertainment come from 2.000 years ago.

Authors: Charo Marco i Amparo Moreno

TABELLA IV: De superstitionibus (Les superstitions)

In the tabella IV we will learn the secret elements of magic and superstition, plus the amulets and rituals the Baebia family used to fight jealousy and evil eye cast on them.
Grattia Maximilla and her slave Lydia will explain us everything about this issue, and through this activity, we will be able to witness how strong the legacy of Roman superstitions is in nowadays.

Authors: Charo Marco i Amparo Moreno

TABELLA V: De militaribus (An unexpected visit)

Grattia will tell us about Caerealis’ visit, who will explain us everything about the military world in Rome: from daily life in the barracks, food and impedimenta, to the harshness of marches.
Through the proposed activities, we will be able to understand better the life of a miles romanus , getting to know his defensive and offensive weapons, and even the snacks he ate.

Authors: Charo Marco i Amparo Moreno

TABELLA VI: De indumentis (Dresses for the party)

In this tabella, Grattia will tell us what kind of dress is the most suitable for each age and situation. She will explain the types of cloths, colours and complements needed to become a perfect host or guest. She will show us what her husband, the senator Lucius Baebius Hispanus, uses to wear: his laticlavia tunic and the toga praetexta.

Authors: Charo Marco i Amparo Moreno

TABELLA VII: De ludo litterario (Memoirs of school time)

In this tabella we go to school with our teacher Lucius Aelius, and there we will learn how Roman children did their homework and studied maths. We will also see the different tools used to write and communicate with each other, such as tabellae, papyrus, ceramic, stone, and even the walls.

Authors: Charo Marco i Amparo Moreno

TABELLA VIII: De opere musivo (Manufacturing our new triclinium)

In the tabella VIII we will know the world of mosaic artists and the beauty and difficulty of their superb works.
In the domus Baebia, the artists made a large mosaic about Dirce and the four seasons, which has impressed all visitors for centuries.
Mosaic artists require a great amount of patience and concentration.

Authors: Charo Marco i Amparo Moreno

TABELLA IX: De deis deabusque (About Roman gods)

Grattia explains us about their gods and goddesses, heroes and minor divinities, and about the religious (public and private) festivities they celebrate during the whole year. A new character is introduced to us: Cornelius Restitutus the pontifex, friend of our gens Baebia.

Authors: Charo Marco i Amparo Moreno

TABELLA X: De convivio cum Baebiis (A banquet with the Baebii)

The preparations for the banquet have begun and Grattia explains us all the details about the delicatessen that will be served to celebrate the elections. In the banquet we will get to meet Caius Voconius, a close friend of the Baebia family, and a guest of honour who is increasingly gaining renown thanks to his theatre works.
By doing the activities you will learn the different kinds of food and tastes of Romans.

Authors: Charo Marco i Amparo Moreno

TABELLA XI: De thermis (A day in the thermae)

With Grattia we shall go to the thermae baths and get ready for the banquet. The slave Theomnestus will come with us, with the task of keeping our belongings safely in the apodyterium. We will have a pleasant and relaxing time in the baths until we go back to the domus, where the ornatrix will help us embellish ourselves and look great for tonight’s banquet.

Authors: Charo Marco i Amparo Moreno

TABELLA XII: De spectaculis (Let’s go see the show)

The electoral campaign is not complete until the theatre, circus and amphitheatre shows are held. In this occasion, Grattia will explain us all the preparations needed for his son’s campaign to be widely admired and remembered, and thus, to appeal to the potential voters of the city. With her, we shall visit the show buildings in Sagunto, describing their parts and the kind of activities that were held inside them.

Authors: Charo Marco i Amparo Moreno

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