In the afternoon,
wealthy Romans took some time
to rest at home, or to relax with friends.
The poor worked constantly.
Luncheon was
usually a cold meal, eaten about 11 o'clock in the morning. Lunch was
bread, salad, olives, cheese, fruit, nuts, and cold meat left over from
dinner the night before.
Siesta: After
lunch, the ancient Romans enjoyed a midday rest or siesta. In summer,
nearly everybody took a nap. In ancient Rome, the streets were as nearly
deserted during the midday rest period as they were at midnight. Even
kids got a 2-3 hour break from school during the midday rest. (After
siesta, kids returned to school to finish their school day.)