
Occupations and Jobs
The Kingdom: When ancient Rome was just beginning, everyone was a farmer. Everyone was a warrior. Everyone had to fight when necessary.
Under the Republic: As Rome developed, jobs became more specialized. By the time of Republic, jobs included farmers, doctors, engineers, architects, teachers, shopkeepers, craftsmen, soldiers, sailors, fisherman, writers, poets, musicians, statesmen, bankers, traders, merchants, accountants, government officials including tax collectors, smiths, jewelers, construction workers, temple workers, entertainers, artists, and slaves.
Under the Empire: By the time of the Empire, jobs also included gladiators, charioteers, firemen, and welfare workers.
Some jobs were paid in food and shelter or other goods. Some were paid in Roman coin.
Plebs: Some merchants and craftsmen were quite wealthy and had slaves to do their work for them. Most plebs were very poor and worked all the time, either in the city or on the farms.
Patricians: Mostly, it was the patrician class who had the option of leisure. Some spent their time in leisure. Some were politicians. Some managed their country estates. Some invested in various businesses. Some were officers in the Roman Legion. A patrician woman's job was to take care of the family and the home, and often had slaves to help her. During the Empire, women could own businesses, and even work outside the home.
Rome was a busy place.

Explore Ancient Rome
Ancient Rome for Kids
Quick Comparison: Ancient Greeks vs. Ancient Romans
Geography, Natural Resources, Maps
Three Periods in Roman History
Daily Life
Gods, Goddesses, Myths, Religion
Expansion
Roman Letters Home, Inscriptions
Entertainment
Art and Architecture
Roman Architecture, the Great Builders
People
Roman Emperors - Augustus, Trajan, Diocletian, Constantine, Valens
Achievements and Inventions
How the planets got their names
Achievements, Contributions - Concrete, Aquaducts, and more
Interactive Games
Play Free Interactive Online Games about Ancient Rome
Interactive Quiz Questions with Answers about Ancient Rome by Topic
Ancient Rome Five Themes of Geography
Early Ancient Rome - The Founding and Kingdom
Ancient Rome - The Roman Republic
Ancient Rome - The Roman Empire
Ancient Roman Religion, Festivals, Holidays
Ancient Rome - Rights of Slaves, Children, and Women
Ancient Roman Art, Architecture, Inventions, Achievements
Ancient Rome for Teachers
Ancient Rome Lesson Plans & Units
Ancient Rome Activities and Projects
Ancient Rome Free Use PowerPoints
Investigate Real Life Artifacts in the Museum of the Ancients