Life in Ancient Rome for the Rich

What would a wealthy Roman wear that was difficult to put on?

What was the purpose of a wealthy Roman meeting with his clients?

Where would a wealthy Roman often go to catch up on the news of the day?

What would a wealthy Roman often do at the bathhouse or amphitheater?

What was a common feature of a wealthy Roman's entertainment events?

Where would a wealthy Roman typically have a feast prepared by expert culinary slaves?

What was a common concern for wealthy Romans beyond the city's walls?

What was the typical living condition for a poor Roman?

What was the purpose of a poor Roman's visit to their patron?

Why was it difficult for a poor Roman to find work?

What was the purpose of a poor Roman's visit to the baths?

What was the experience of a poor Roman at the amphitheater?

What was the purpose of a poor Roman's visit to a taverna?

Why did a poor Roman want to get out of their room as quickly as possible?

What was the relationship between a poor Roman and their patron?

Life in Ancient Rome for the Rich

A wealthy Roman's day would begin with slaves attending to his needs, including helping him put on his toga, a heavy garment.
He would ensure his wife had everything she needed to oversee the household and his sons were off to a private tutor or school.
He would meet with his clients, providing them with money to keep them happy and willing to riot on his behalf.
A wealthy Roman would often attend the Senate or Forum to catch up on the news of the day and discuss business.
He would have concerns beyond the city's walls, such as huge farms in the provinces, which could be affected by chaos in distant lands.
He would engage in entertainment, such as visiting the bathhouse or watching events at the amphitheater, often with business discussions.
These events would be heavily catered, allowing him to eat late.
He would then attend a feast at a friend's home or host one at his own domus, prepared by expert culinary slaves.

Life in Ancient Rome for the Poor

A poor Roman would wake up in a crowded insula, often sharing a room with up to ten people.
He would have limited access to indoor plumbing and would want to leave the building quickly.
He would wear a tunic, a more comfortable but less stately garment than a toga.
He would wait in line for money and instructions from his patron.
He might try to find odd jobs for the day, unless his patron needed his services for rioting or mourning.
Many jobs were taken by slaves, making it difficult for poor Romans to find work.
A poor Roman would occupy himself by visiting the baths, although less ornate than those used by the rich, and attending events at the amphitheater, but without covered seating or catered snacks.
He would stop at a taverna, a small restaurant, for a cup of sour wine and simple food to hold off hunger until the next day's ration from his patron.

Explore the daily life of a wealthy Roman, including their daily routines, relationships, and social responsibilities. Learn about their clothes, education, and politics.