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.
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!
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!
