Rome was one of the first places to practice a form of democracy, channel water through aqueducts, and publish newspapers.
The ancient Romans stood as one of the most advanced societies in the history of civilization for over 1,000 years. And despite a few barbaric tendencies, (we'll forgive the gladiator games), life in ancient Rome might look more familiar than you're expecting.
Rome was one of the first places to practice a form of democracy, channel water through aqueducts, and publish newspapers. So although we'll never know everything about ancient Rome, we know life there was better than most of the world.
Here are 20 depictions of what might have looked like in ancient Rome.
1
Conversing
At the community well.
2
"A Fresco" By Cesare Maccari
Depicting Roman senator Cicero denouncing the conspirator Catiline in the Roman senate.
3
Slaves for Sale
Slaves played a part in many parts of society.
4
Circus Maximus
Ariel view of the race track.
5
A Roman Feast
People often ate laying down.
6
The Unveiling of the Twelve Tables
A collection of Roman laws that were written at the insistence of the plebeians, 450 BCE.
7
A Roman Bathhouse
Getting clean, and hanging out.
8
Gladiators
Sports were very important in Roman society, especially the gladiator games.
9
Roman Grain Mill
Hard at work.
10
Secessio Plebis
A form of revolt first introduced in ancient Rome, for when the ruling class of Rome would become too corrupt. Commoners would band together, evacuate the entire city, and leave the elites to fend for themselves.
11
Playing Sports
Many people exercised and practiced sports in the afternoons.
12
Ancient Rome
An arial view of the city. Smaller than today, but bigger than anything else Europe would manage for another 500 years or so.
13
Market
Buying and trading in a public square.
14
A Mask Seller
Business in ancient Rome.
15
The Festival of Saturnalia
A feast that could last a week or more.
16
Caesar
After allegedly going too hard during Saturnalia.
17
The Roman Army
The Roman Army was mighty and well respected, made up of both poor and well-off citizens.
18
Religious Festival
Before the days of Christianity.
19
Mausoleum of Hadrian
With a few examples of bridge building.
20
Fire
Fires were fought by citizen soldiers, until a fire brigade was set up around 70 BC by Marcus Licinius Crassus. However, it was private.
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