Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following was NOT a part of the Roman Empire at its height?
Which of the following was NOT a part of the Roman Empire at its height?
The Roman Empire was ruled by a series of emperors, starting with Augustus.
The Roman Empire was ruled by a series of emperors, starting with Augustus.
True (A)
What was the name given to the working class members of Roman society?
What was the name given to the working class members of Roman society?
Plebians
The act of freeing a slave was called ______.
The act of freeing a slave was called ______.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following Roman terms to their definitions:
Match the following Roman terms to their definitions:
Signup and view all the answers
Which of these individuals was a Roman historian known for documenting the story of the Roman Empire?
Which of these individuals was a Roman historian known for documenting the story of the Roman Empire?
Signup and view all the answers
Roman slaves were always prisoners of war.
Roman slaves were always prisoners of war.
Signup and view all the answers
What was the primary source of information for archaeologists learning about daily life in Pompeii and Herculaneum?
What was the primary source of information for archaeologists learning about daily life in Pompeii and Herculaneum?
Signup and view all the answers
Plebians in Roman society lived in dwellings known as ______.
Plebians in Roman society lived in dwellings known as ______.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following Roman social groups with their characteristics.
Match the following Roman social groups with their characteristics.
Signup and view all the answers
What was the main difference in diet between Patricians and Plebians?
What was the main difference in diet between Patricians and Plebians?
Signup and view all the answers
Roman women could only marry after they turned 18 years old.
Roman women could only marry after they turned 18 years old.
Signup and view all the answers
What was the term used to describe the act of freeing a slave in Roman society?
What was the term used to describe the act of freeing a slave in Roman society?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the term for the wealthy members of Roman society?
What is the term for the wealthy members of Roman society?
Signup and view all the answers
Plebians lived in cramped apartment blocks called ______ which were at constant risk of fire.
Plebians lived in cramped apartment blocks called ______ which were at constant risk of fire.
Signup and view all the answers
The Roman Empire was the largest and most powerful empire in the world at its height.
The Roman Empire was the largest and most powerful empire in the world at its height.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the social class in Roman society to their typical living space:
Match the social class in Roman society to their typical living space:
Signup and view all the answers
What term describes the act of freeing a slave in ancient Rome?
What term describes the act of freeing a slave in ancient Rome?
Signup and view all the answers
The Romans built large open-air theaters called ______ for performances and contests.
The Romans built large open-air theaters called ______ for performances and contests.
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following occupations were common for slaves in Roman society?
Which of the following occupations were common for slaves in Roman society?
Signup and view all the answers
Match the terms with their corresponding descriptions:
Match the terms with their corresponding descriptions:
Signup and view all the answers
Most Roman women received education at a university level.
Most Roman women received education at a university level.
Signup and view all the answers
What was a common food eaten by Plebians?
What was a common food eaten by Plebians?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Roman Society - The Life of a Plebian
- Plebians were the poor, working class members of Roman society.
- They often worked as farmers, craftsmen or shopkeepers.
- Plebians lived in apartment blocks called insulae. These were cramped and at constant risk of fire.
- They ate simple meals such as lentil and barley soup, meat stewed in vinegar, bread and porridge.
- Poorer Plebians received free grain from the government known as dole.
- Plebians wore dark coloured tunics made from cheap material, such as thin wool.
Roman Society - The Life of a Patrician
- Patricians were wealthy members of Roman society.
- They were often landlords and worked in important roles in the government.
- Patricians lived in lavish private houses called domus or large country estates called villas.
- They ate extremely well and had two meals a day. Breakfast consisted of bread, fruit and cheese. Their main meal (cena) contained three courses. The courses might include eggs, olives, smoked fish, boar's head, lobster, honey cakes and fruit.
- Patricians wore white tunics made from expensive linen or silk.
Roman Society - The Life of a Slave
- A slave is someone who is legally owned by another person and is forced to work for them.
- In Roman society, about 20% of the population were slaves.
- Slaves were often enemy soldiers who were captured in battle or forcibly taken from conquered countries. They were bought and sold at markets.
- Slaves worked as cooks, domestic servants, teachers, child minders, gladiators and farm labourers.
- Some slaves could win their freedom if their master wanted to reward them for their service. The act of freeing a slave was known as Manumission.
Roman Society - The lives of women
- Both plebian and patrician women lived a difficult lives. Traditionally, women's place was in the home and they had to obey their husbands.
- Some wealthy families sent their daughters to school, but their education ended at primary level. Many girls were forced into arranged marriages and could marry as young as twelve years of age.
- Roman women had large families as many children died in infancy. The life expectancy of Roman women was only 20-30 years, because childbirth was very dangerous for them.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Explore the contrasting lives of Plebians and Patricians in ancient Rome. This quiz delves into their societal roles, living conditions, and food habits. Test your knowledge of these two crucial social classes in Roman society.
