The basic unit of Roman society was the familia (household). It consisted of the paterfamilias (father), mother, unmarried daughters, sons with their wives and children, and slaves. The father was supreme in his own house . He had unlimited power over his children and could command absolute obedience.

The mother, who was held in high esteem , was mistress of the home. She manged the household affairs and advised her husband in buisness and politics.
Families , who were decended from a common ancestor often formed a clan, called a gens. Like the family, the gens united by a common religious rites and was governed by a common ruler.