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Daily Life of Romans
Dana Cameron
The primary author is the individual who drafted the first version of this
section; a section that could have been modified since it was originally
published.
Politics
Rome was a republic and there were many parts of the
government. There was the Roman Senate. The word
"senate" comes from "senes" or "old men" because the
individuals in the senate were elders. They were highly
respected and powerful men. There were consuls which are
chief administrators, praetors who replaced consul, aediles who were like street police and traffic
enforcers, quaestors- treasury officials, and the tribunes of people who protected plebeian interests.
Roman Belief
The Romans believed that Rome was founded by Romulus and Remus. These two men were twins born
of wolves. When it came to founding Rome, Romulus and Remus fought over land and Remus was killed
leaving Romulus to name the new city after himself.
Many Romans believed in the Olympians which were the highest of gods and goddesses. Their culture
was accepting of religions other than their own.
Women and Marriage
Women married as young as twelve while men were around fourteen when they married. Usually, for
the first marriage, the parents arrange it. Divorces were not uncommon. If a woman did get divorce, she
would usually remarry with the man of her choice. Women were also respected in Roman times.
Fashion
Roman citizens wore togas that were plain and not decorated. If they were in the military they would
wear a lacerna or military cloak. Sandals or soleae were worn with leather straps and there weren't any
differences between men's and women's shoes.
Jewelry was worn. Females frequently wore rings, brooches, hair combs, earrings, hair décor, bracelets,
and necklaces. Men were limited to rings. However, men did change their styles with beards. As the
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times changed so did their beards. They went from unshaved to shaved to trimmed to clean shaved
again. Women always had long hair and never wore it short.
Prostitutes and Gladiators
Prostitutes were employed by brothels or low-class hotels. They would wear short tunics and brightly
colored clothing. They paid taxes and there was never any embarrassment in going to a prostitute.
Gladiators were well trained entertainers. Many were either criminals or free volunteers. They received
a bonus for winning battles. There were even women who were gladiators. Gladiators could win fame
and glory over their strength, skill, and victories.
Africans
Africans were known as Aethiops or black African. They were slaves. Aethiops were judged but not
because of racism. Racism wasn't even a term used during Ancient Rome. Africans were looked down on
because of their state in life.
Home Life
Large housing apartments were common in ancient Rome. They had windows and balconies. Roman
citizens ate breads and fruits. They were fond of olives and mushrooms. Common meats were beef and
pork.
Works Cited
Baldson, J.P.D. Roman Women: Their History and Habits. New York: John Day, 1963. Print.
This book offers information on women who were less reputable including slaves and prostitutes. It also
contains history of the rape of the Sabine women.
Bailey, Cyril. The Religion of Ancient Rome. London: A. Constable, 1907. Print.
This book gives more in depth information on religion. This includes the many different practices
throughout different time periods.
Boatwright, Mary Taliaferro. People of the Roman Word. New York: Cambridge UP, 2012. Print.
This book has a very general topic of Roman people. I'm using the information for its section on
comparisons to the Greeks.
Reprinted from College History
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Last updated on 19 October 2014
Photo Caption: Nile River Valley
2
Campbell, J.B. The Romans and Their World. New Haven:Yale UP, 2011. Print.
I'm using this book for its information on soldiers. It explains who was recruited, how they were divided,
and the cities where they were stationed.
Cary, M. A History of Rome: Down to the Reign of Constantine. Second ed. New York: St. Martin's,
1967. Print.
A History of Rome has many of the tales about the origins of Rome. This gives me background on what some
of the Roman beliefs were about the founding of Rome.
Davis, William Stearns. A Day in Old Rome: a Picture of Roman Life. Boston: Allyn and Bacon, 1925.
Print.
This book has been the most useful in a wide range of topics areas. I have found much information about
the women, slaves, and social orders.
Dill, Samuel. Roman Society from Nero to Marcus. New York: Meridian, 1957. Print.
This book has information on the economics and social interactions of freed men.
Earl, Donald. The Moral and Political Tradition of Rome. London: Thames and Hudson, 1984. Print.
I am using this book for its topic on the upper class and politics. It describes several political positions and
their power.
Gwynn, David M. Roman Republic: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2012. Print.
I am using this book for the information on the gods of Ancient Rome and their impact on the people.
Herbermann, Charles George. Business Life in Ancient Rome. New York: Harper, 1880. Print.
This book gives information on business life. This includes labor and manufacturing during ancient time.
Hooper, Finley. Roman Realities. Detroit: Wayne State UP, 1979. Print.
This book gives definition and description of the two separate Roman divisions: patricians and the
plebeians.
Reprinted from College History
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Last updated on 19 October 2014
Photo Caption: Nile River Valley
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Kebric, Robert B. Roman People. Second ed. Mountain View, CA: Mayfield Pub., 1997. Print.
This book gives information of the Roman Christians. This includes persecutions of Christians, then the
overall acceptance and rise of Christians.
Knapp, Robert C. Invisible Romans. Cambridge: Harvard UP, 2011. Print.
This book gives description of the fame and the death of gladiators. Many gladiators were criminals and the
others were volunteers.
Laes, Christians, and J.H.M. Strubbe. Youth in the Roman Empire; The Young and the Restless Years?
New York: Campbridge UP, 2014. Print.
This book contains information on how Romans looked at the youth. They even had divisions of life stages
that included characteristics of quality and temperament.
Leffingwell, Georgia Williams. Social and Private Life at Rome in the Time of Plautus and Terence.
New York: Columbia UP, 1918. Print.
I am using this book for its information on house furniture and its structure. It includes many Latin terms
also.
Matz, David. Daily Life of the Ancient Romans. Westport, CT: Greenwood, 2002. Print.
I am using this book for its information on education for all classes and also politics and government.
Paoli, Ugo Enrico. Rome: Its People, Life, and Customs. New York: D. McKay, 1963. Print.
This book is useful for its information on food and drink, and fashion for both men and women. The fashion
includes hairstyles, beards, togas, and flats.
Payne, Robert. Ancient Rome. New York: American Heritage, 1970. Print.
This book I am using for the effects of the Pax Romana, or Roman Peace.
Thompson, Lloyd A. Romans and Blacks. Norman: U of Oklahoma, 1989. Print.
I'm using this book for the concepts of race and Roman perspectives on color prejudice.
W. Warde. Social Life at Rome in the Age of Cicero. New York: Macmillan, 1990. Print.
This print book gives information on holidays and feasts, and how Romans celebrated.
Reprinted from College History
http://collegehistory.info/manuscripts/hamdan-rabee.html
Last updated on 19 October 2014
Photo Caption: Nile River Valley
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