Join the Empire!  Become a Roman Citizen!    What we don't know: In spite of the many inscriptions and other pieces of the past scholars have labored to put together for us, we still don't know much about ancient Roman daily life.   We still don't know whether the ancient Romans had  wastebaskets, or how common cats were, or whether anyone kept a dog indoors. We don't know if they made their bed in the morning or folded up their bedclothes, stashed them away and used the bed as day furniture; or indeed, whether most of the time they had beds or just futons on the floor. (Stuffed with what?) We know they had temples, but what did they do in there? It will be interesting to see what will be discovered, as scholars continue to find inscriptions, and to put pieces of the past together!   What we do know: We know quite a bit about Roman government, which was famous for power and law, and a great deal about Roman religion with its many Roman gods and festivals.   Rome grew from an important city into a huge, crowded, noisy, smoky, dusty city, with beautiful temples and public buildings. The rich had gracious homes, each with an entrance atrium, which was the center of family life.  For those who were not quite as rich, there were apartment buildings, some quite nice ones, and there were shabby tenements for the poor. Narrow streets wound between the seven hills. Some people walked around Rome. Some were carried in covered litters, with curtained couches carried on poles by slaves. Soldiers strode though town in chain mail or leather armor. Workmen hurried in belted tunics of dark wool. Before daylight, boys hurried to school. Later in the day, Roman citizens strolled around town in white wool tunics. Shops lined the streets.  Down in the Forum, courts were in session, and the great Senate orators met and argued. Even for the poor, life in the city was lively. There was always something going on, like the many religious festivals with entertainment paid for by the rich, and chariot racing with an open track that ran between the seven hills. These were free spectacles that all the people could enjoy.   What was Rome Life Really Like? The ancient Romans started their day with breakfast. Then, they got dressed to go out. The kids went school. Once they got dressed, the adults might wander down to the Forum to do their shopping and banking. Next stop, the baths!   Every day included a trip to a temple or two. In the afternoon, wealthy Romans took some time to rest at home.  The poor worked constantly. When the kids got home from school, they played with their friends, their toys, and their pets. Dinner was different for the rich and the poor. But all Romans could enjoy the spectacles. Admission was free! Learn More about Ancient Roman Daily Life Life of a Roman Child   Roman Houses - Life centered around the Atrium Daily Life in the Country Roman Life from Nettlesworth School   Family and Children Explore Ancient Rome Free Powerpoints  Free Games Free Video Clips  Free Clip Art Return to Ancient Rome for Kids Main Menu  All Rights Reserved    Clip Art Credit: Phillip Martin Have a great year!