Uncovering the Secrets: What

Life In Rome Was Really Like

ByBrian E - January 24, 2024

Rome, the capital of the ancient Roman Empire, has long

been considered one of the world’s most magnificent cities.
With its rich history, stunning architecture, and breathtaking
monuments, it is no wonder that millions of tourists flock to
the city every year.

But what was life really like in Rome? Beyond the

grandeur and glory, what were the daily realities for
its citizens?

In this article, we take a closer look at what life in Rome

was truly like, delving into the hidden corners of
history to uncover the good, the bad, and the ugly. Get
ready to discover the real Rome as we journey through time
to unravel its fascinating story.

Exploding toilets in communal bathrooms

were seemingly common in Roman times

The most well-known of their bathroom activities was still the

fact that they used communal toilets for personal use. They
could be found all over Rome and had lines of toilets next to
each other. Everything was then flushed down the drains.
Wikimedia

The sewer system was not the same as it is now. It wasn’t

long before hazardous gasses like methane began to build up
in the sewers. They were known to cause explosions or cause
toilets to burst into flames. Although there have been no
reported cases of people losing their lives due to toilets, it is
possible.

Roman baths included just about

everything someone could need

Over the years, archeologists have discovered amazing things

that help to tell the story of life in Ancient Rome. Roman baths
are one of many discoveries. But what was their purpose?
They were much more than a place for communal bathing
with the rest of the city.
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Because they covered areas as small as little towns, the baths

had all the necessary amenities. The largest was the Baths of
Caracalla. The baths could accommodate 1,600 people and
included a library, gym, and two fountains measuring 19 feet.
The baths also featured a gentleman’s residence, marble
statues, artwork, and mosaics.
Emperors would show up as celebrities in
Roman baths

It may not be surprising that all sorts of diseases were easily

contracted by Roman baths. However, this didn’t stop the
emperors from going to the baths, where they were treated
like celebrities. It was also a chance to meet people and make
yourself known.
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The emperors could hire a team of people to take care of all
the work for them. They carried their robes and rubbed olive
oil on their skin. Then, they would use a strigil tool to scrape it
off.
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Chariot racing was quickly Rome’s most

popular sport

Julius Caesar was not the only one to love chariot racing. He
was responsible for expanding Circus Maximus, Rome’s
chariot racing ring, to accommodate 150,000 to 200,000.
Chariot racing was the most popular sport in Rome. Each race
consisted of four teams.
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Each team had three racers, each with four horses pulling a
chariot. Although they occasionally had two drivers, the most
impressive sight was the ten-horse chariot which made
frequent appearances. The best seats were in the corners,
which often saw racers thrown from their chariots.
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Being a chariot racer could earn someone

big bucks

Did you know that most chariot racers were slaves? They
didn’t want to quit the sport, however. It was actually the
exact opposite. Each racer would receive a share of winnings
if they were part of the victorious team. But that wasn’t all. It
turned out that chariot racing betting was also very popular in
Rome.
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Racers would often place bets and walk away with big bucks
at the end. What’s the twist? The best teams, the red and
white ones, were the most successful and, therefore, could
afford the best drivers.
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Ancient Romans were known to love their
dogs like family

Dogs have been human’s best friends for a long time. But that
doesn’t mean we all know how long these four-legged
companions have been part of our lives. The Molossus, a large
breed that could be related to the Mastiff, was loved by
ancient Romans. It was also imported as a lap dog called
Melitans.
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Wikipedia
Dogs had collars and leashes. Mosaics and paintings warning
people to beware of dogs were commonplaces in the city. The
Zoninus collar is the most well-known collar. It reads, “I have
run away,” and anyone who “receives a gold coin” it will
return to Zoninus. However, people aren’t sure if it belongs to
a dog or a slave.
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People living in Rome believed in magic

and witchcraft

It is unsurprising that witchcraft has been a dominant force in

Europe for centuries. The fact that Romans believed in the
supernatural was also a factor. Many spells can be used to
affect daily life. One was to keep people still. It involved three
incense sticks placed at the mousehole’s entrance before
attaching an enchanted thread of dark lead.
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The next step was to place seven beans in the mouth of

someone, then sew a fish’s head with a bronze needle and
roast it. To make the spell work, the spellcaster needed to eat
the fish head and drink an adult beverage. Many spells could
be used against your enemies. Many of them used magical
gemstones.
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Temples could also be used as banks for

Ancient Romans
Rome was all about having fun and making money. What
could someone do with all their wealth? They could visit the
temple to keep their finances in order since temples were
used throughout Ancient Rome as banks. The basements were
used as vaults and were closely guarded at all hours.
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The priest was responsible for tracking the amount of money

that had been deposited at the bank or loaned to others. It
was good to deposit money in multiple temples, even though
it was safe. This was because fires were very common and
could mean someone’s money would be lost forever.
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Men had all the power while women had

none in Rome

Do you want to see how Rome’s family hierarchy worked? It

appears that men possessed all power, while women had no.
Men could arrange marriages, divorce their wives, and reject
newborns if necessary.
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Women were also expected to marry men and have kids. If
they didn’t, they were accused of being the problem. They
also had to look after the house and work as servers, nurses,
or crafters. They did not get a first name and instead used the
feminine interpretation of their fathers’ names.
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Being poor in Ancient Rome meant you

would live on a high rise

Rome was populated mainly by those at the lower end of the

income scale. They all needed somewhere to call home, as
they were part of the first city with over 1,000,000
inhabitants. Solution? High rises. These apartment buildings
were known as the insula, meaning “island,” and could reach
100 feet in height.
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The worst apartments were on the highest floors. Because

they were dark and cramped, it was likely that someone
would die in a fire. The bottom floors were reserved for people
with more money. Many rented rooms to multiple roommates.
However, no apartment came with running water or
insulation.
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It was common for apartment buildings

to burn down in Ancient Rome
However, Ancient Rome did not have the same access to
materials as we do today. Their insula was made of wood and
mud and highly flammable. Even if the buildings didn’t burn, it
was common for them to collapse, especially if they were built
cheaply.
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Wikipedia

Fires could be contained by destroying nearby buildings and

firefighters, called Vigiles, working with water buckets to
extinguish flames. Romans used hot coals to cook food in the
interior, but that didn’t help the fires. The Great Fire of Rome
burned six days, was rekindled for three more days, and
destroyed two-thirds of Rome.
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Fire insurance – and insurance fraud –

has seemingly been around since Roman
times

It is not surprising that Romans began to invest in fire

insurance, considering the frequency of fires throughout
Ancient Rome. It was still a luxury option that was only
available to those who could afford it. This also means that
insurance fraud could have been a problem for Romans.
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People would often invest in houses and have their contents

insured against fire. Then they would mysteriously go up in
flames. People were often given more money to cover their
homes and other items than they were worth. They quickly
realized that the fire may not have been as innocent after all.

Ancient Roman Beauty Routines for

Women

Women in ancient Rome strived for beauty standards that

signified status and class, focusing on a pale, unblemished
complexion with a subtle blush. Achieving this look required
an array of natural cosmetics, such as foundations made from
white lead and blush from various organic and inorganic
materials.
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Elaborate hairstyles embellished with ropes or golden threads

displayed wealth and artistry. Icons like Poppaea Sabina
exemplified these ideals. These beauty rituals went beyond
vanity, embodying the wealth and societal roles of Roman
women, and were integral to their identity in the public and
private spheres.
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Life of an average roman woman

In ancient Rome, the average woman was primarily a matron,

managing household affairs and raising children. Society
expected her to be modest and to adopt a feminine version of
her father’s family name. Education was limited to basics like
reading, writing, and some math to prepare her for household
management and companionship with her husband. Higher
learning was discouraged and often associated with negative
traits.
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Women could initiate divorces, which were common in

political marriages. Their political influence was indirect, often
through their husbands’ careers. A wife’s image and conduct
were crucial for a politician’s public image. However, their
lives were largely constrained by patriarchal societal norms,
with limited personal autonomy and opportunities.
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Ancient Meals and Methods

Ancient Roman cuisine was a mix of cereals, vegetables,

fruits, and legumes tailored to societal status. Commoners
mainly consumed staples like bread, beans, lentils, peas, and
vegetables. Meat, a luxury for the wealthy, included hares,
snails, and birds, with beef less favored. Seafood was diverse,
reflecting Rome’s expansion and trade. Cooking primarily
involved boiling and frying, particularly in olive oil, with
sauces and spices enhancing flavors. Garum, a fermented fish
sauce, was particularly popular.
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Wine was central to Roman dining, often diluted with water.

Posca, watered-down wine with spices, was common among
soldiers and the lower classes. Fruits like apples, figs, and
grapes were integral and often preserved. The diet evolved
over time, incorporating new ingredients as Rome expanded.
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Emerpors were fed grapes but at what

cost

Roman emperors led lives marked by extravagance, luxury,

and often bizarre behaviors. They rose to power through
various means, such as conquest, political expertise, or
military support, and once they were in power, they generally
ruled for life. The emperors had no term limits or retirement
plans, and their tenure often ended with their death,
frequently through assassination or forced suicide.
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The lives of Roman emperors were characterized by privilege

but also by danger. They were involved in constant power
struggles and often had to contend with plotting,
assassination attempts, and shifting political alliances.
Despite their opulent lifestyles and absolute power, being an
emperor was a risky and often deadly position, with many
meeting violent ends. The history of Roman emperors is filled
with tales of extravagance, cruelty, and sometimes madness,
reflecting the tumultuous and often brutal nature of Roman
political life.
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Empowering for men

In ancient Rome, sexual norms and behaviors were markedly

different from modern Western standards. The society, deeply
patriarchal, established masculinity as a symbol of
governance and control, extending to sexual relations. Men’s
sexual conduct, whether with women or lower-status males,
was not morally scrutinized as long as it didn’t show weakness
or infringe on the rights of peers. Women were expected to
embody pudicitia, a complex ideal involving modesty and
attractiveness. Prostitution was legal and widespread, and
erotic art was a common feature in respectable homes.
Homosexual relations, particularly involving a freeborn Roman
youth, were acceptable within certain societal frameworks.
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Roman literature and art reflect these diverse sexual

attitudes. Writers like Ovid, Plautus, and Martial explored
various aspects of sexuality, from romantic to explicit. Their
works, along with the abundant erotic art found in places like
Pompeii, provide valuable insights into the sexual norms of
the time. These expressions of sexuality, ranging from the
romantic to the explicit, illustrate the complex and
multifaceted nature of Roman sexual norms shaped by the
broader cultural, social, and political contexts of the era.
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Losing an apartment meant Ancient

Romans were simply out of luck

For those at the lower end of income, it seems that life in

Rome was not all it appeared to be. Because banks were
primarily reserved for the wealthy, fire insurance was
something many couldn’t afford. Problem? This meant that
someone’s entire life was in their home and could disappear
in a split second.
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The possibility of fire consuming everything could cause

irreparable damage. There is no way to recover them without
insurance. But here’s the twist: their only hope was to find
relatives or wealthy neighbors who would let them stay
temporarily while they got back on their feet.
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Life of a female slave

In ancient Rome, female slaves faced a particularly harrowing

existence marked by exploitation and a lack of autonomy.
Beyond the general hardships endured by all slaves, such as
grueling labor and harsh punishments, women in bondage
were often subjected to additional layers of abuse and
degradation. Many were bought specifically for their masters’
physical gratification, a tragic exploitation that stripped them
of their autonomy and consent. This coital slavery wasn’t just
a private affair; it extended to public brothels, where
countless female slaves were forced to service numerous
clients daily.
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In addition to physical exploitation, female slaves also

performed various roles in Roman households and society.
They worked as maids, cooks, and nurses, often facing the
dual burden of labor and intimate physical abuse. Their
artistic talents, whether in music, dance, or other forms of
entertainment, were exploited for the pleasure of their
masters, turning their skills into instruments of their
subjugation.
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Misconceptions of Roman Intimacy

Contrary to popular belief, ancient Rome was not a hotbed of

unrestrained sexual activities but rather a society marked by
stringent prudish norms. Public displays of affection were
frowned upon and grounds for social and political
repercussions. A notable instance involved a senator who
faced severe backlash and was expelled from the Senate
simply for kissing his wife in public.
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The Romans’ approach to intimacy was equally conservative.
Activities typically associated with the night were strictly
confined to darkness, with no candles or lamps to shed light
on the proceedings. Women were expected to adhere to
modesty standards, with full undress considered highly
immoral. This reserved attitude towards sexual matters
persisted until the Romans began assimilating aspects of
Greek culture, which gradually led to a shift in their sexual
mores and practices.
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Public sanitation

In ancient Rome, the xylospongium, also known as tersorium,

played a crucial role in public sanitation. This ingenious yet
simple device, essentially a sponge mounted on a stick, was
the Roman equivalent of toilet paper. Used commonly in
communal latrines, the xylospongium was a practical tool and
a symbol of Roman engineering and communal living.
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After use, it was washed in a channel of running water or a

vinegar solution for hygiene. This communal approach to
personal cleanliness reflects the Romans’ advanced thinking
in public health and sanitation, a testament to their societal
organization and emphasis on cleanliness.
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Rome was home to funeral clubs that

came with plenty of perks

Many of us were members of one or more clubs in our

lifetimes. What about a funeral club, you ask? They may not
be as common nowadays, but they were popular in Ancient
Rome. You also get many perks. The initial fee was only $50,
then a monthly charge.
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They had access to monthly events and meetings. It also

meant that the club would cover the funeral costs if the
member was current with their dues. The funeral club would
also pay for returning a person’s body to Rome if they died
elsewhere.
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The Harsh Reality of Slave Trade in

Ancient Rome

In ancient Rome, the slave trade was a grim yet pivotal aspect
of its economy and social structure. Slaves from diverse
empire regions were displayed in markets like commodities.
Stripped of dignity and clothes, they stood exposed for buyers
to scrutinize their health and strength. This dehumanizing
process often involved revealing any illnesses or escape risks.
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The value of a slave varied based on their condition and skills;

educated slaves could fetch higher prices for roles like
teaching, while strong men were sought after for labor or as
bodyguards. This brutal market highlights the stark reality of
ancient Roman society, where human lives were traded and
valued based on their ability to serve and labor.
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There’s a good reason Ancient Romans

had so many marble heads
All kinds of marble heads from senators, philosophers, and
emperors are found in museums all over the globe. One thing
that people may not have noticed is the lack of bodies. This is
due to how much time and effort went into creating a marble
body and how fast things changed.
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Many emperors lived short lives, so they would leave before

anyone could finish building the body. Instead, they would
reuse the same body but only swap the marble head.
Caligula’s head was actually not preserved and was replaced
by his uncle.
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Mock battles were a major event for

those living in Rome

Caesar wanted the public to be on his side. This is why he

created the mock sea battle, the Naumachia. It occurred in 46
BC and featured a man-made lake that attracted people from
all over Italy. Two senators were actually crushed by the
crowd.
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Four thousand oarsmen took to the water and 1,000 fighters

each, while most were sentenced to death before the fight.
Amazingly, they were released if they survived. Claudius, the
Roman emperor, recreated the mock battle at sea with
thousands of ships and 19,000 fighters 100 years later. This
was where they once again fought for their freedom.
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Life in Rome meant worshiping several

gods

Many people have spent many years studying the gods that
Romans worshipped. Apollo, Mars, and Mercury are some of
the most well-known gods. But they weren’t all they
worshiped. The Romans believed that all things had a spirit or
were protected by one. This included rivers and trees.
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Wikipedia

This meant that Ancient Romans believed their homes and

properties were protected by a spirit. They created shrines to
honor them. This was more than keeping the spirit happy.
Many people used it to show off their wealth to the rest of the
city. More significant shrines meant that someone had more
money.
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Praying in Rome was different from how

many worships today

Religion has been an integral part of human history, even for

those who lived in Rome. They believed they would pray to
the spirits but didn’t know their gender. If they did, they could
ignore them.
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Many spirits required more than just a simple prayer. Farmers

who wanted to cultivate the land had to sacrifice a pig. It was
believed that this was a way to compensate for the damage
done to the ground for crops. Romans looked for loopholes
and covered all bases to ensure spirits were satisfied.
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The Romans were known to adopt and

import gods from others

Romans were well-known for taking over cities as they

traveled the globe. However, this didn’t mean they forgot
about the gods who looked after each city before arriving. It is
believed that soldiers would instead pray to the gods of cities
and ask them to join them in Rome once they have conquered
an area.
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Cybele was one of many gods that they adopted. They called
her “Magna Mateer,” aka “great mom,” and brought back a
meteor stone. The streets were filled with incense and
prayers. The day became a holiday, and games were
organized in honor of the new goddess to welcome Cybele
into the world.
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The Cult of Cybele allegedly horrified

Ancient Romans at first

Cybele is an imported goddess that Ancient Romans loved the

most. But it wasn’t her fame that made her so special. The
goddess was actually followed by the Cult of Cybele. In honor
of Cybele, her followers were known for carrying feathered
headdresses and brandishing their weapons. This was only
the beginning.
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Cult of Cybele also danced, crashed symbols, blew whistles,
and honked horns to celebrate the goddess.
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The Day of Blood might have been one of

the most horrific aspects of the cult

Although the Cult Of Cybele was unknown to the Romans

when they introduced the goddess of Rome to the people,
they soon learned about the extraordinary lengths her
followers would go to. It began by blessing and washing a bull
and then placing them on a plank over a pit. It is believed that
someone in white robes would cut off the bull’s throat and
drain the blood into the pot.
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Wikipedia

The pot was then pushed onto the worshipper in the pit below
as soon as the last drop of blood fell. The cult is believed to
have even fetched blood onto altars, with the Galli taking out
their private parts.
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Workdays in Rome were particularly

short compared to now

It doesn’t necessarily mean that life in Rome was always full

of pleasantries. The workday was about having fun and
getting things done rather than too busy. There were no
clocks, so it was impossible to keep time. Instead, they would
wake up to the sun at 6 AM and head for breakfast.
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After being fed, workers would return to work until the late
afternoon before heading to the Roman baths. The majority of
the afternoon was spent at leisure, with only a handful of
shops remaining open beyond a certain hour. It was mainly
taverns, which stayed open as places to eat and drink.
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The Romans were known to write their

own joke books

Romans were known to enjoy having fun. Ancient Romans

even had their own jokebook. The novel, called Philogelos
(which means “The Laughter love”), was written around the
3rd to 4th centuries CE. It was written around the time of the
fall of the Roman Empire.
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Many people today have lost their sense of humor at a time

when so many need it. They’re not the norm today, with jokes
about someone having an intimate relationship with another
man’s spouse, someone with bad breath, and one person
being unable to wear pants because it was too tight.
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