Download as pdf
Download as pdf
You are on page 1of 148
EMPERORS & WARFARE ® CULTURE & LIFESTYLE ® RELIGION & MYTHOLOGY. Welcome to ‘As ulin Cesar lay dying onthe lor ofthe Theatre of Pompe, ‘change wasintheair. Everyone knew that samedhng was about to happen, butno one could have predicted just what se of events hha been pu in motcn Trwould take 27 years ofcivil war before Octavian would ‘become known as Augustusin 27 BCE the yea that snow Deralded.as the birth of the Roman Empire The fst emperor ‘would create the blueprint ora realm that would Leon or ‘more than L000 years, Inside the Book ofthe Roman Empire youl met es, and icons from the nefarious Nero to Christian (Constantine, as wellas come face to face with the ‘vengeful gods ofthe Roman pantheon, Head tothe frontlines withthe rathless Roman army. and find ‘outhow people really ived inthe Mediterranean 2000 years ag0 (Once you've dscowere what made this ‘mighty empie tick, you finally find ot just what it was that made Antiquity most famous tat fall fom grace and how itstil liveson today, Discover the rich history it one of the world's most iconic and immortal empire: Sy | s 46 A Day in the Life of a NGS Chariot Racer ‘Warr Hee ee death eng 6 The Legend of Rome a ack bow Rome went oma kingdom oa 8% What Have the Romans Fohlctsancnpie une wage dnl Done for Us? 18 The Fall of the A RORS 4 roa ust how far Rerne managed to ‘expand its territories I Uncover the Roman mentions that have 16 The Rise of the changed te wo Republic 54 The Dynasties of the What realy Roman spatked the end ‘Track the poner shin the Reman Ete Rome as they across dation newt andthe 58 Augustus Danae how Rome it emperor came FE wopower ETY 60 Wsthetnosydgaedenpert tray mane 20 How the Romans Lived Garorntutaalysewslisinacciet GM Agrippina the Y ome fom the das sjstem to housing thee cree tea ome mostinfietl women 28 The Roles of Roman Women 70 Nero What wa fe aly ie for the fater sex? ‘Unwell the man beind the myth - i he ely fle whe Rome burned? 30 Inside a Roman 4 Thermae 76 Julia Maesa poe the bathhouse of Andee Rome Discover the onic woman tht history fr - and vac her path pot infuece 32 Underworld of Rome Ancient Rome was le with debaucheryand 8 Hadrian ‘rime dve deep inside there Moot the man bein the wall 38 Bloods, Guts 82 Constantine the Great & Gladiators “Meet the reason why Caristianty finaly became Just how did the Romans heep themselves accepted in the Roman Empire enuertained? With alot of gore. 86 Th ane 44 Circus Maximus Discover the lst dynasty that managed to rule ‘The insand outs of Rome's famous racing arena «thei emp 92 Ancient Roman Religion Leam the ns and cuts of Raman pganm 96 Anatomy of a Vestal Virgin Meet he pestsss who kept the eral fame 98 Rome's Big Twelve Gatun cose ae petal wth the foman ds } 100 Dining Deities and Spirits of the Pantry ‘ eae 106 Temple of the Gods An eon fea of human engineering ‘4scover the many funcions ofthe Fantheon 108 Maidens of Mythology eee ee eter 114 Roman Mystery Cults Uncover the secretes and Bare nua of the Roman spitual underwerid 120 Life in the Legion eo othe ot ines od ct what fe was relly iin the Roman army 124 The Invasion of Britain ‘What ally happened when the Romans aly madeit across the English Channel in 43 CE? 128 Crisis of the Third Ce Discover a century of politcal tural so bd that tele in il war 134 The Catalaunian Plains “The Romans tok ona ferer enemy than ever before inthis face-off with ata the Hun 138 The Roman Empire's Last Stand Leng fer the empires gly ay, the ss ‘of Constamnople waste ral bl forthe Eastern Roman Empite The Legend of Rome The Legend of Rome From its humble beginnings as a small kingdom of warring fiefdoms, to one of history's most imposing superpowers, Rome was a nation for the ages \oday, Rome is a beatiful tourist attraction ‘more likely to pay host to camera ting travellers than barbarian hordes but inthe ages of the ancient work it was the epicentre cf civilisation. The crown jewel ofa nation that assumed every frm - ing, epuble and empire ~ realm so powesful changed the face of history ferever Inthe name of Rome adits ever changing governments, redefined the principles and engineering of warfare, revolutionised ‘modern infrastructure and ushered in the beginning ofthe Middle Ages. and lke any great superpones it carved its borders aross the face ofthe ‘worl. From the cod shores of ‘ania tothe warm sands of Palestine and Eaypt, Rome created fr tse an empice that was a sight to belo, but ‘one that invited attack at every juncture The ancient werld was ota pleasant place - ful of plague storms and wartng tribes fom every ‘comer of the wild - butt was sila canvas upon whch Rome instilled the principies of ts own. special form of civilisation rose fom humble beginnings, forming fem, {he gens or ans of taly, united under anew king With the ambitious vison for a greater state It was ftom te ites ofthat origin that some ofthe most iconic Roman concepts were forged, not east of which were the very beginnings ofthe Senate the democratic voice ofthe people that spent the next enc ru ener arelatively short period Peis tnied airs eee Ries em Ente nents Peet few eras hating the rules that would come and go at Rome's helm. ‘Asa kingdom, Rome began to fashion itself asa captal to be proud of the pias and grand designs of the Greeks and the Brascans informing an arcatectural la that would find tsi in ‘everything fom municipal buildings tothe roads ie id across the tel, Te fll of kings soon led Rome to takea new frm, forged fora new age the Roman Republic A shining beacon of democracy built on the back of 2 niltary the world had never seen before -erganised, disciplined and hardened in the name of conflict, and invasion The legions of Rome became the hammer that conquered the known. ‘word, but they would also tring the nation tothe brink of destruction n a css fellow. Democracy bought Rome greatness but also lf open to the schemes of powerful men and the action of Julius Caesar transformed the nation into anew tate one focused en conquest anew. An empire, with an emperer ats highest fet office and a dest to reshape in his image As the Roman Empire, Rome became stranger than ever, but forall ts innovations and advancements Inengineering many of which would be last to the Dark Ages to come) Rome would attempt to ale a word that was changing reply. And 0 its fate ‘would be sealed - ane more great empire falling in lace of another New Beginnings The elements of Ancient Rome From religion and the arts to the use of slaves a frastructure, Ancient Rome was a unique society that ated on it n ter In many ways, Ancient Rome was well ahead of freshly paved rods (curve to drain off aiate, its time Despite all of the ancient wappings the no es) inked the realm together much like a reat minds of taly were always busy looking _ concrete nervous system. Upon these rads, Rome's ‘Upwards and onwards Fer the Senate and Rome's trade lurished and its most precious commodity starts tat ‘many evolving leaders, extending the borers of the staves, helped the Roman economy tur Gn the realm was of paramount importance Soldiers much the same way ast would inoneremoicesin ia on. informed were the tne eurency of progress, and conquering the centuries to come) erento swe ‘ew lands and absorbing thee people was the fuel The slave trade segued ito the hedonistic pean tac ‘ede to power that machine. That cycleswelled fabric of Roman soc, fueling a national lve for RomeS legions and the state began expanding ata bloodsport, The people adored their ars enjoying, terifying rate ‘everything fom theatre to works of terature. ‘Alcngside this expansion the engineers ofthe was atime of expression, where the real world time evolutonised the facies of the age Vast mingled seamlessly with an almost tribalisic aqueducts brought running water othe people and embrace ofthe gods and prayer “Soldiers were the true currency of progress, i... [a and conquer v lands was the fuel than gious eee. een needed to power that machine" Seen tet es Foren nentoa sre remmaea pe par ener For the Romans. minting 3 ad inate ors people wa tas portant 3 er rymitary eanpagn Rome - the cowring oe! feng, tbe epubc a He Reed cee toms ‘ere was bl othe eraole forthe fet ofthe res, athe Roman goverment lr teen began constructing bulge ov of sorte carved soe, he ai fa bg pe pe ere ee inthe Roman achtcture Peal a erent The Romans couldn be expected to ve a bvchfesten theron th so Ce eed aT ee as ‘they ad wat ay sa espacng ard enterprising nation woud do they bal ast eee etd ‘auedicts that reeced undergourd sources of esh water lth way back eR eee Rome hese underground can pipes sed overground anes atch cen double x ee ee Ed Dre) sad nang more tan gouty orgs Me gig escent te capt ete ea ‘And has oto ment he Brent network of ands that were bul to. pen eee ie nce te replace the toa and spe nes the tuscan dbl nthe centres before. ‘it cement na ken stores. the Romans ad Re a he beat of es ew ater etched fo Beta The Legend of Rome eed epee oe eee Panerai Peery Peer patobeor umes nes rN Petty Pe cited ‘The Romans ie tolerate and ote uit aes and anphahesres The Coosseun Gometines kaon se Favon Arte was bulk beter 70 ana 80 CE ey {andpromd tobe Rome's grand entertainment cone I peenenen rata ‘ould seat rund 30.000 spect and even had a Bont pace mer rarer ‘arascanopy tat old be eet above sol the sare Shing ation went roe fo mh Peete teeta The Colosseum ges us an ins no gaat eres ‘amet wa anata fooure wth everything om Cec aunenial ‘Seraed sldersto ws musced doves evscerting one eee) Sater the nme of entranment Gest Els were esther onda sens of dscipine. ‘te enacted, th professional ihe brow nto pene ni fensire the istry boos were ahered on there pees eee ee Chait racing vse another popr sure of eer ‘entrant a i rests out often an jt 8 ere ered ‘ood shoud 3 chariot cath Volence waste mean by seein ted ‘sic Rome ha become a superposed omens ‘itn its own people woul gain an issable ood. ‘hence fo Ro it hop ial entero The arts The Romans were 2 very express peopl and we cance that nthe sheer tread of mosses, ‘Scaptres pots and aretectre ey proied [its coe Roman at wa ring pt cer Cures nd fences he Great, ith th ove of piled arcectar and white stone ate, became s mar infuence. As i the Ercan the people tat preceded the Reman, wih ther lve of Stal paning aed bors ate Seeeteaeteetceecs ‘ur the epubica, a became aay to oe expres ene positon, Patings and wal cvings eerie of itary successes were conmssoned bythe eee State an postaned sound the cy, whe weaty he os coe to have the fesures ged the was i reerlet i to preent a man we ha gen hie suport eee arenes thestate- Roman at ws olen a represen = beeen winery tf sats, especialy the perl ea where the serene lar Gree) syle wa re-embeoced a the compara atempte a reconnect wah res past New Beginnings The Roman Kingdom 753 - 509 BCE @ Rome is founded/ Peres Romulus becomes king z - 16 BCE 753 BCE Felling he aparere ‘eat of Once a sere of warning tbs and omuhs by odo the Senate clan the stonget among them ate Rome ener an ntenegnum @ tied undereath the war general fp). This a period of ear of Romulus He nals mse sing Jes vere he tadonal and erste ery fit naan of cf gvemment py doesnt the Senate Te est members fem exist whee one king has le ut {he most powerful and infuetal ‘moe as ye be determine ss lan) are coven Rays deety ‘he democrat pple ofthe Ptichal mabey plang a get Roman King ste that oly Gel fumporance onthe wisdom of F the Senora smi body tas its older male members. Around 100 ‘the power to make a king, so over members ate chosen ty Romi, a period of yeas ten cir ane the Senate begins by ‘aking care then rl the kingiom ae fer ofthe dao day runing the ry the other This proves the Wangdom Topher the vy fs awe | Lea Sere wih the nfematon ofthe nd ae writen and te fist, reeds select one of them athe F standing armies formed ci ext king riot mene oat 0 SL cad architecture lives on Ps mesnitiag eee feet) Piety As wih many kings who ruled inthe Regal saa inter period took place ‘between Hostilis and his successor In between the election af the new zing, an iterrex is established (meaning argent of srs is appointed tookaftr the kingdom) The Senate selects sutable candidates before the people of Rome vote who tis they ‘wanted to rule them. Thelegisative _goup that appoint the new leader, Anes Marc known asthe ‘Curate Assembiy, e ae Forum's central building constructed 600 BCE echaps the most important structure in Rome's history - the Forum becomes the home ofthe Senate an many ofthe state's important legisatve decisions itis under Lucius Tarquinius Priscu reign that construction on the Forums finished. Each of the previous kings had made some plarimage in this area, from draining tof wate tothe buiktng of simele temples. Priscus ‘contribution isto have the main rectangular building constructed and the enti plaza paved. The Forum becomes a symbel of Rome's democratic beartheat. More contrtions wil be made toi ver the course of histry ‘The Roman monarchy > is overthrown 509 BCE Te ape of Luceta bythe kings son provides te spark to ignite the politcal powder keg that hasbeen filing fr years The people and the Senate have grown increasingly uncomfortable with the ations of the king, acs Tau Supers, and his tyrannical ie His ‘obsession ith architecture and ‘bulking has largely 5 exhausted the royal vey emit caries 0 Ya by wale omens eae SS Tinett ean oe Senos ‘the fist tue Roman sewer |3 Roman leader actively fesse err attest cae seme ope freer tan scot {Se Wepre eset ‘ir somien ar erg ters, Feta steno ahs Segre conic aes 6 serve Tata becomes ng Feowinga pete tess ‘eer te ert deers in ronthing he Rss set te Sel eter 28 rc apn cy ‘peop fauneine tamara ng ord ‘Eto pitn isk Sszeng ofan ce. ‘igus roan srsece Priscus dies in a riot 579 BCE In the frst example of Roman leader being murdered, Lucas Targuinus Prseus dies during aot crgaized by the son of the previous Tea, Arcus Marius. Acrrding to legend the sons of Ancus Marcus believed the throne should have rss to them 30 they organised a ret armong the people and struck Prisas over the hed in the chaos Its said Priscus wife found her Inusband wounded but not dead, and used the time to name the Etruscan Servius Tullus as regent cafes ard his fats choice of miltary ‘campaigns (based more on cdevating is satus rather than bettering the kingdom) leads the pecple tort, resting in his exile an the abolition cf the monarchy tse The Legend of Rome Gi) CS Ay “WAGE @ ‘ © Supertus sn apes. ptrcian Whiner ety see ‘pop ino rN rand ‘peste par Let's tea (Erbatsencs henge ested Inanother example ofa disturbing tuend in Roman succession, ‘he king Servius Tullis assassinated after 4 yea by is own daughter Tula and ber husband Tarquin Superbus Tullius had been a popula king cchestating a numberof reforms Supers convinces the Senate t0 ‘lect im king regardless ard he Thecomes the seventh (and fina ling of Rome. And so begins one cf the ast popular rela. 1 New Beginnings The Roman Republic 509 - 27 BCE @ Roman Republic established 509 BCE Following the overthrow of the monarchy and the exile of Licis Tarquin Superbus, the Senate establishes anew republic tate. this ‘ev form two leaders wil rule cooperatively as consuls, elected fora? seachand sack the ety. On what is single year each, With the formation ofthe republic nev powers are} elev to be 18 July the Remmans sated tothe Senate and tothe eben Counc giving the people? march to meet the forces ofthe ‘more power and influence over the Iaws that govem theirhome K£ Senones a large Gallic tribe that is decreed that Rome will never again recognise a king of Rome and subsequently elects Lichs nis Brutus and Lacus Tarquins Collins a ts ist jo consuls tasted ether Ea Despite ther usa sucess agai te Tartar the Romans ate not completly ete ving the th ¥ taome open forthe Senenes j ; ‘TheSenones nda cy ey tn tench poe 2 ik aid to murder many fits ede tun q ¥ uldings othe ground and ot aa ‘serving they ean Even Pat Dacca at Sree wth el face and v destroys the Senones, Roman soldier: conamage’ Fete atte nine Fi foe Roan Slr re ray eed noma census conducted [Rina aun 2035 hs Oi of ‘abled. Tyres tof ‘acre condoce note eras ‘eeu hed ch ows the pepo Rae the poe fthecores Fest ind 300.000 people Sec ve cal ne Battle of Tolan in 225 BCE halts a potently dlsastucus Gallic imvasion. Rome had formed a peace Dest the realm ifcult past with a single man hong too much power, the ‘Senate decides emergency Jhws are needed to grant B temporary ultimate power ante the event of {isis Thisis known as ‘sats consult Wit the threat ofa Sabine invasion looming, Titus Lari and Postums Comins Auruncus select the former as dictator wth andl ofthe Gali tribes to the north of Ral’ borders, However, ‘anv alice of Gale seemingly ignote this and begin moving troops Into northern tay with thei eye ‘on Rome. Roman forces under the ‘command of consuls Gai Atiius PME LS | Reculus ard Lucius Aeris Papus PPR arco Telamon and defeat the SERRA Gauls extending Roman influence R The Legend of Rome The Bath of Arauso represents one of Rome’ worst military defeats, and marks turning pont in the rdationship between consul Ie ako leads to many important reforms The bate begins when lage Gallic tbe the CGmbe start migrating ‘Ovough Gaul whieh inten at @ Julius Caesar is assassinated 26 thettbes With : Cini org Inthe buldap tos asassinton his aes ses om cons tuber wo as : ¥ and member the Pt Trtumviaeohe mos povel et dhe command ot : inthe nd Hes sissometinesiconety sumed an consul Quintus Servius emperor, buta dtator who hasbeen vted into that psition by Cxpie and consul Gaus 3 the Senate in 49 BCE and then again in 45 BCE. The Senate passes Malle Maximus ave to £avote making him dciatrperpetoa a role that makes many meet ther However, acti senators who ad not voted nis favour fearful hat Caesar wl leaders have disastrous results, with Berea {nto motion that sees Caesar betrayed by his allies and stabbed to e100 Ronan Fg Es Farin Teel Raney |¢ Provnce of Macedonia ties ee eed Sosasers Peereaaeres Sees, eee aa ae Ure Casa oes * Dialect neesSewte cota” tng recta” net eto reece ‘Third Servile War begins emperor 73-7180 278CE The thd ana inal she ebelin, Fellwing the death of his reatuncle which is ed by Spartacus, the salu Casa Gas Orvis frms only servile uprising to thresten the Second Triumvirate with Mar the taity cf Rome st. Antony and Mares Leis to fin ‘and f escaped ators begins his assassins. The alliance cases a sweling with slaves who wish to war Lepidus everualy driven now tue eed Under the ino ee and Mark Antony commats leadership af slave and gladiator sui following his defeat at the Bate IB) speracus the oosey armed of Act Sil ranted the ukimate rebels defeat amumber of Roman power of office by the Senate, Augustus PREERETETIYD ccesbotore Roman commanice UUW bess crating framever: with the PEON MecusLicnuscrssscusies RUE Senate tne epinning ofthe princpate che uprising, and the empire itself B New Beginnings (@ Roman conquest of Britain ror Emperor Claus campaign to conquer Britannia once ane for all the Romans have enjoyed a reatively heathy trading relationship ‘with the tres of Brain since lus Caesar's st steers in 5 CE, However, the Ctuvellaunt have taken over fom the Trinovantes 3s the most powerful kngsom in southeastern Briain, The Catlin | begin encroachingon the land ofthe Romanvoyal Aebaes, fring Rome to send troop o pacify Britannia once and forall The campaign eventually takes the Romans threugh England and into Sectland Following almest 50 year af chaos vil wa are dvided states, the potiean Doceian is recognised asemperorby the Senate and co-emperrs, he divides the Roman Empire into four separate ates tobe governed by each individual erperce with mutual coopertin betwen all four sections ofthe The Roman Empire 27 BCE - 476 ag eszablishes anew form of governance the Terachy. Alongside three other realm. Te concep. fo time, proves a succes wth every state ving its own capa and standing amis. However, despite the joint nature of the mation, Dictian is ulimately the supreme leader Gaede ante —— oman © Giwortme micscentry 9 natleofcarthage T pe taoece teks Thecissorte Twacerary | Fererloystothapnt a eerie Eater Eecsveeee” | Steeaere ee wee ay trainee Seinrondeensien Suse Coa ean Seer situs Rane 2 arent emperors ae asoeeroret om Seceegewtn ; | Robust 1000 pias Gomeidnoneniseto ingeiotopen ater geeweowes = Cemeees, oe ioaer ese ce teosy tevin Savomssaie Oneet he iar tn Stole sass tec Sr of 100000 men bt © UWomaclyEcese (One ofthe worst pandemics to eer ravage Rae, the ‘Antonine Pague likely afr ‘of smallpox or pethaps an aly form of eases) ends up chiming the ives of vee 5 milion Romans tis thought the plague was bch bak with troops returning fom the Near East The plague, which rages on and off for around 15 ‘years, evn claims theif ofthe cermperor Lucus Ves 4 [Rover te te barr of (Sy Enger taco oder > reams come inc 3 ars al ances to ey F tmparr vali tan rzonar Erpre te enper von ake {ape regs ste we Sans Raintree nedesincwsity (Christians had an uneasy relationship hth religion of Rome: In fact. as recently 3s Diocletian the Christan ‘community had been demonised and urged. Howevey, that all changes ‘when Constantine the son of one ‘of the fst members ofthe Tetratetyy becomes te sole emperor. He sets bout reforming the national mindset and ever chai the Fist Council ot [Nicaea in 25 CE where an assem of ‘chop is called to cesta consensus ‘of modern Christan. The Legend of Rome Western Roman Empire falls Rome is divided into two empires Ace wet of ansantines deste ete By the middle of th by two ‘Sysstat lated to be puna ty Sega by te t— “The empire was ahead of its time, with even the Dark Ages failing to eliminate its mark" Expansion eee Dee ue Feerineenin tet tl Barres Pree tarea tits ‘STH CENTURY BCE- Ly Osu eT A Ces UE Te Ta ts CUE te es Pate ies Pte ies aS es Hs hae ea Poa eng 10 the death of Caesar 44 BCE) Additional Roman territories up to the death of Augustus (14 CE) ‘Additional Roman territories up to the death of Trajan (117 CE) The Rise of the Roman Empire How Rome built its empire, negotiating or seizing the largest population of any unified political entity in the West saan Pam —— ct The Rise of the Roman Empire “The empite reached its largest expanse under Trajan, between the 1st and 2nd century CE, stretching over 5 million square kilometres” the Roman Empire was one ofthe largest empires in history, comprising of erttores thoughout Barope, Noth Africa and the Middle East. Expansion ofthe empire was mostly accomplished under the republic (Geren 509-27 BCE} before the Roman Empire \was established: During tis petiod in time, Rome's contol expanded from the immediate surroundings ofthe city to contzl most ofthe ‘Mediterranean world through forming aliances or taking the tercitores by brute force t wast Jong before the entire tan Peninsula was under the contol ofthe repubic ard by the folowing, ‘century ts overtelming dominance had widened all the way to include North Africa, Spain and Southern France Gaul). By the end ofthe st century BCE, the republic had expanded to include al of France, Greece and most ofthe Eastern Mediterranean, However, by that poin cil wars were breaking ut de ‘o internal strugaes, and the republics roubles culminate withthe assassination of flu Caesar ~ after which the republic became the empire The exact date ofthe politcal tansition is dn to interpretation, Some putt tthe point when Caesar was appanted dictator for fein 44 CE, others when Matk Antony and Cleopatra were defeated atthe Battle of Actium in 31 BCE. ‘The most popular opinion, however, was that the republic ended when Octavian was granted extraordinary powers by the Senate and adopted the presigios title of Augustus in 27 BCE, Atbough he gave bist othe empire, ts dominance in terms of and mass didnt expand a seat deal during the reign of Augustus, and when be ied in Id CE, his contin had mainy been sdministrative. Augustus’ regime catalogued people and places within the empire and displayed a {etal map ofthe known wordt the public ‘The Roman Empire reached ts lrgest expanse under Emperor Trajan, between the Ist and 2nd cxntury CE, stretching out over 5 milion square Ilomettes and the modern equivalent of 40, ‘countees, At around 476 CE, the empte began to ‘tumble. Although the easter half continued to rule for anther L000 years, the Western Empire strugaled to defend its borders and maintain its political gp onthe Western word 7 The Fall of the Roman Republic cy What was it? © AF ater centuries of peace and prosperity aed by almost untrammelied ‘expansin across the Mediterranean, the Roman Republic was plunged int crisis in 133 BCE following the murder of popular official Meru GGacchus, ailing allegedly sanctioned by the Senate. The flowing ‘years were marke by social unrest as potcans battled it out General Gals Marius, a succesful military campaigner. eed the ofce of consul in 107 BCE. In 88 BCE. following challenge for power from Lucius Sl, Marius questo tate tessure), who subsequently rebelled against Rome, a reign of terror ensued tht purged many of the people's representatives. ‘Sulla ce in 78 BCE only to be replaced by Gnaeus Pompels beter ‘known as Pompe the Great who would later serve in Romes First “Triumvirate alongside Marcus Crassus and Julius Caesar. Pompey and Caesar quickly became entrenched in thet postions leading to series of cil wats that would culminate in tavlan (Caesar's adopted het) becoming the fst emperor of Rome in CE, heralding the end ofthe republic ‘> ‘y What were the ce consequences? ‘The fall ofthe Roman Republic witnessed the decline ofa democratic system that had governed the state snc its foundation in 509 BCE felling the overthrow ofthe hated Roman monarchy ‘After the disposal ofthe kings, the tite of consul was introduced and shared between to men. More power was also granted to the and tunes fica) wen this style of governance wa 7 republic’ demise ‘The socal unrest and miltary opportunism that blighted Rome in the Ist century BCE and le to Julius Caesar eventually snatching power effectively pu an end to system of rle that had heeded the requests of ‘And while Caesar’ rapacious ambition woul Jead t his downfall hishet, Octavian, swf picked up the mantle te establish total power as emperor in 27 BCE. An emperor would rule Rome until 476 CE, ywho was involved? Lascus Sulla 78 BCE Upon consolidating power in 2 BCE, Sulla ruled as a dictator, purging many elected officials and stripping others of power. = Julius Caesar 100 - 44 BC After crushing the remains of Pompey's men atthe Battle of Munda, Caesar took control of Rome, eventually becoming dictator. Emperor Augustus i 63 BCE - 14 CE Vietory over Mark Antony at Actium allowed ay cian cement his erp on power and creer’ Pater ed later become the first emperor of Rome. a Roman Life and Society How the Romans Lived All walks of life filled the streets of Ancient Rome, and for the poorer people of society the empire was very different to those at the top ork hard playhard. That appears tobe the mantra by which aot of Romans led their ves There's a general impression that the Romans were a ‘wealthy articulate bunch, who had splendid villas and clothes. However, that, in truth, 'sonly half the story As in any socery, the normal ‘men and women who lve and worked in Rome (Glebeians led very different ives to those atthe {op ofthe tre (aicians, residing in homes that were a wold apart from the nobility and the ete and having difering levels of access to education and health peoviions Today, most ofthe physical evidence of the ower class’ existence has crumbled away. Thee pocey Dbl homes and unwritten stanes have been lost to time Bur historians have still een able t piece together the strctre of Roman lif hen they ae what they wore where they bathed and how they were schooled ‘Wie also know that wealth was the key towards good Iie, even for slaves who found they could Sumas: money and sometimes buy thei reedom. “The normal men and women who lived and worked in Rome led very different lives to those at the top of the tree” 20 M WOM Roman Life and Society Class act: how the Romans were divided oman society was 3 complex system ‘mate up of sear socal eching {rer Ut went or beyond a simp Getotamy of very ch and reebly oor Wh we re arith he Disleged ne ofthe eer Senators and the quests below ebecame, - and concessions were inode However nthe mins he Romans there as sila dilerencen socal ann ap th rte own the ‘hainyou belonged the worse your Beret the pbs inthe Roman ‘em perhaps themes ering cass ierachy were the reedren css ofalwasthat ofthe plebaan. andthe saves, The tr dé rtd “Themen ard women ofthe lower tizrhip, wl he former ad ether cose ere the beng heart ofthe been ganted ther esdom od fempre but there were few comforts ‘hr wok fre hem, andthe Gi go enced A get pute ‘ose between the paticas andthe ‘bens in 404 BCE and aged Interitety fo 200 yeas. nat ar the leben eta oleae Rome a witha of manpower urctsed thersees ‘Berg citzen afore 3 Roman 2 revel comfort lean etn Fights, mkng i posse vote fm pope. awl may, make fonts, st ad tan a layer court ved torture death or any cme except veaon.Howeve whch woulhave proved devastating women fad amore inte zens, Life among the classes In such a cut-throat city, how did the patricians, equestrians and plebeians navigate through Roman life? there was a sock leveller in Rome, then it would be found inthe public tlt, where 95% of the milionstrong population sat. chatted and dd ‘heir foukst of business, Within the ltrine walls the Romans were a their mos naked, with their tunics pulled up and squatting over the age boles cutin Wood or stone, and ther privacy completely whipped away They wiped their bottoms with \watersoaked sponges attached to sticks, which they then discarded into the Roman Sewer system, Back outon the streets, however life was very different. There the clas system was very much in place. Ar the tp end of the scale were the higher fans of Romans the empercy, senators who wore tunis with broad stripes called laticav - and an economic dass of equestrians - who wore a tunic ‘with narow stripes called the angusti cli, Bat further dven, there were the rdinary pecple of Rome, wrapped ina long semicircle of woollen cloth called a toga, as well asthe fredmen and the saves, However the feedmen often occupied roles In the Impenil Palace and so could improve their socal standing and gain quality clothing. “The plebeians sav Rome as it realy was, away ‘oom the ornate, marbled villas and the grand buildings enjoyed by the privileged. Their wart- andall view was of the cramped apartments in ‘hich they lived. muikiple peop toa room. in ‘rondel aeasthat would abeorh ever eater ‘numbers yar after yea For them Roman fe was 22 the narrow streets between the squalid high rise gates, the busy tavems ae visting the ground: floor shops (abernae) to buy food and essentials ‘These areas may have wafted with the smell of fies bread and exotic foods, but there woud also have been the unmistakable stench of sweat blood and human waste Reme was usually ary city, wit iting in the public areas, ows among residents, evidence of domestic violence and the ever present risk of fie. ‘Any moments of bliss could be Interrupted bythe emptying ofa chamber pot ot of window to the ground below, particulary in ‘the roughest part of town Subure). ‘Rome certainly wasnt city forthe feint heated. and the ‘governors and senators had a Constant battle to quash pebeian revolts and disharmony. Providing, | week ration of grain and entertainment seemed sat the lower classes and the organisers lor benefactors of festivals were lays held in high esteem. Rome was seen as a ready made job market forthe poorer ‘man, ts streets perceived to be Tgp rey) paved with gold as muchas dit and disease “The many building projects meant there was alvays a pressing ned for labour so plenty of eople emigrated there looking to work. After its founding the ty of Rome fast became a busting ‘multicultural metropolis, but twas Impossible to bul enough quality ‘ccomnmodation for everyone ‘The barsh living quarters were generally a8 good as 1 got for hundreds of thousands of peopl, snd for that reason they tended tolive mest of thet Me ouside oftheir partments The whole of Rome became their home. ‘with so much time spent inthe ‘company of others, the plebeians| were known for being sociable and rondy They were aso mestly tolerant of diferent races and religions. Incomers were integrated sino the city jst a they had been ‘fom the moment Roms and Remus’ founded Rome as acty of outsiders, inviting criminals and runaways to seek asylum, People ‘quickly gt involved in the busy Roman way fife ‘Workers woul seen, ting ‘through the day for a small amount of money and seeking ways to supplement their income elsewhere. Chien wuld ako work the boys serving apprenticeships and the sins ‘camyjing out domestic chores under the watchful eyes oftheir mothers or a domain Gemale mast) - usualy splendid dressed in ther stolas given shape bya bel called a zona, Schools were mainly fee paying and were reserved forthe rch and pvleged, However, poorer families would lok to educate their sons themselves fathers teaching sons the tools of thet tade Generations othe poo, therefore, grew up largely iterate bat skilled none theless. By the age of 1 (2 for gil the men would be marie, their coming of age marked by a hearty banquet. Boys could em ‘overwhelming debt would bedrated ino te miiaryto EDU RERSMTOMSUERIM | scl themscves ino slavery. Ip the Romani to conquer PORTERS TCM | Some slves were als allowed and con far fing nds and ARS carn and ie thar ovm ‘ls were used to manoeuvre through social cls, an jin Powerful families. “The solders aso served another purpose They were able to capture sives and bring them back 10 Rome. Fa from being chosen on racial gounds. aves were generally take instead fo ther strength inteligence, practical skills or appearance While some were tused a nbourers or tamed into ghlators ‘other figures of erertainment, they cou also hold respectable positions in wealthy houseokds Rome's obsession with health and well being, for example, aw an influx of Grek doctors entering as slaves after 47 BCE. As well as allowing Romans the benefits of better hospital treatment and the sil of surgeons, the Greks aided advances Teeny ponent Suni Peer in medicine as well In some ways, they Were perhaps ate to enthusiastic - their wilngness ‘experiment with patients in oder to test thei theories caused a deep suspicion. But it was usually preferable to the expensive quacks whose mathods really were quite unorthodox Having weatment available was a benef& of Roman life across the classes even the slaves much lower down the chain benetted t some degree also showed that being brought nto Rome asa slave could actually bea good career move fo the skilled, Many fom the Bastin particular ‘were intelligent and cultured and ‘were able fo st easily nto society and contribute greatly Infact, ‘some Roman citizens with ‘money saving up to buy thei fneedom or expensive clthes. By the Ist century CE. more than half of Rome's population was made up ‘of slaves and freedmen At ths time, the Senate proposed saves ware their own specitic ‘denying tunis but ths was rejected because ofthe potential embarassment of seeing half of Rome's population dressed in such a way. ‘Such was the hire of Rome, that wien a slave was afforded the satus ofa feedman, many would ‘emai, becoming a Roman ctzen and using ther connections to their advantage. Some feedmen actually went on to hold important positions, such as Tiberius Claus Narcissus, close confidant (of Empere Claudius who almost suceeded in stopping Nero's succesion to become rue Roman Life and Society Housing the toner) eed eee ees ers 24 The nightlife in Rome When in Rome, what did the Romans get up to? We know they enjoyed wine, theatre and food, but what else? A good tnbute by a hushand toa wife was usually DDonum svat anata (she ran the house and ‘made wool, Such tributes, howeve, would never have been pad toa group of women in Roman society wino were very much fooked down upon prostitutes. Despite being legal, licensed ane tane, prostitution was considered a shameful professor. and yet there was a great demand frit Drawn fom the slave clas, the women operated ftom brothels dotted arcund Rome, satiating the Romans ere appetite foc sex Called merenir-of she ‘who makes commerce of het ‘wn body’ they were banned from wearing the stola and bad to wear a yellow toga asa sign of ther profession. They ‘were also denied the ited right afforded to other women such as being able to receive an inheritance After dark Rome became much more seedy is streets teaming with danger as criminals made th city their very own and preyed on whoever they felt ould be ich picking, Asa form ofow class in their ‘wn right, they would mug and rob people down ‘he unl, unpoliced narow streets. Burglary, arson, murder and faud were typical crimes and Punishments ranged from whipping to crucifixion butt did deter the desperate. Criminals could be very violent at times and often carried a sharp implement if only to sic the font of tunic (or purse in cderto relieve a victim of his possessions. Some victims Pa Eine were highly peed BT BL UB athy retentions eevee | fray ‘ould ake the Lae into their av hands a they sought to save life and property and there was ‘eat sense of every man fr himself The courts And lawyers that were in place were not always ‘very effective. with matters not being helped by the fact many people would drink to excess during such periods. The taverns - which doubled as a poor Roman's -kchen since making dinner within ther own ‘homes was to dangerous -came alive at night During the day. they were places to cat and rest, allowing people an ‘escape from their hames and work ‘Eertainmer would be lad on forthe slaves and pebeians who tended to enter. siting on bar stools, drinking Aight taverns became more riotous, Located on a quit side street, with the doors locked men sgambed,soialsed and played sames that often became heated, ‘They also if various artes and the ‘copious graffi on the walls of ancient Rome's hums re tobe believed - engaged in relations for ‘want of beter wor, with ther servers ‘Taverns, however, were no place fo the wealthy, who mostly stayed well away from such places and indeed decried ther as being immoral ata ‘unbecoming ofa Roman citizen. Not that some ‘of those in higher society didt venture for Emperor Nero was a frequent visor to the taverns and brothels ining them racy and exciting ‘Though he always made sue to wear a disguise so ashat to cause scene. Rm CE Cy Londinium e & 2) uedumm e ‘Sirmium Areate © Rota Byzantium 4 Trapenis Barcino © ce Thessalonied a © Antiochal @, ogiiaaltin Ateraniria How the Romans Lived © Minor Nations oe Bre Yrmes row QR aimee Roman Life and Society Roman Houses The houses of Roman citizens varied according to their wealth. The more modest houses were called insulae - these houses, like the flats of today, emerged in the cities due to overcrowding. Patricians would live at their opulent country villas and the wealthier merchants lived in urban dormus moses wa fle eps ‘nets eae weal hey xu ele the Rose Roman Houses thee od eve tht Places to eat a Roman Life and Society The Roles of Roman Women Ancient Rome wasn't an equal society and women were expected to behave and live differently to men nent Rome was a male-dominated soley Women were distinctly overshadowed ‘by men and it wasnt even a case of age ‘number of females trying in vain to beak aghssceling or struggling to make thet ‘way within a macho world. The vast majority simply werent allowed to get that far because they Aidit share the same legal status as men, (ne thing atleast, te head ofa household didi have the right wo simply kil his wie if she questioned his author. This was thought to have been the case for quite along time, but ‘ala potestas'~ the power ofa Roman ater ~ ‘hankfully didnt appear to stretch to that extent "Even so, Roman women always remained in ‘manu, which meant they were legally controlled bya man. Asa cl dhis conteling role would be assumed by a woman's father as a wife, the sation cou either remain that way sine manu) (or see conta pas to he husband (cum maru!) {created a misogynistic society in which women lived within strict boundaries, They could not pay aol in public fe so, unlike in Ancient Egypt, there were no dec female rulers: no equivalent to Cleopatra, Women could not become senators, sndges consuls or general. They were unable to speak in political assembles, they were bared from voting in eletions and could not ake on at rle in the military. Instead, a woman was primarily expected to fook ater the household, including any chien, while overseeing the family’s slave ‘wotkfcee. Women also ad to make cates by spinning, weaving and sewing doth. And while they were busy toiling there was also pressure on them t keep up a good appearance To achieve this, most opted for cheap home- sown make up, but wealthier women were able to afford imported cosmetics from Gaul, China 28 and Germany. Perfumes were popular and were associated witha healthy body, but there was a ‘aging sense that women couldnt win, even ‘in this ame of expectation the poet Juvenal wrote that‘ woman buys scents and lotions with adultery in mind" ‘Silt wasnt entirely bod. Midle- and upper class women were taught basic reading and weiting stils despite some men bebeving lteracy would Jead their wives astray. Wornen could also own and Inert property, and they could run businesses, allowing them to independently amass great wealth in some Instances. They could work as ‘merchants and midwives, or ake jbs as dancers and even doctors. There were female teaches, hhairdessers and seribes, Some became wet nurses, although Roman doctors fmly bekeved mothers should breastfed thetr own cule ‘Nevertheles, mariage was important Women ware allowed to get itched from the age of 12 Which aside from being highly egal tay, say ‘meant their childhoods were largely over in the blink of an eye At this point. a woman could ‘wth fom the feminine form of he fathers name to that of her husband. This was usually indicated by ang the eter 32 the end things werent working ou, a woman was free to request a parting f the ways Divorce was actually common, not to mention quick and easy. It only needed ether the wife or husband to say the _marriage was over and that was that Sometimes 8 woman’ father would bring a marsiage to end, such was his ongoing power ove his daughters ‘Me. Women dit leave empty-handed ether. A ie often signed a prenuptial contact stating how much dowry she would receive if her mariage was tobe dissolved Marriage could have distinct pers, partcuanly sf woman wed a powerful man Fula. wife of Mark anton, s believe to have hada significant influence on policies he enacte. In 42 BCE, when Antony an his elon cose et Rome t0 track down the assassins of ulus Casa, Fulvia was effectively left in charge as Rome's de-facto coleader. While Antony was visting Bey in 441868 and Fulva ft his hold on power was, ‘threatened, she even raise legions to ight in support of her husband, Religion also appeared to offer a path to great respect The Vestal Vigns were a smal group of hestesses, specially chosen between the ages of six and ten, who were responsible for maintaining the Temple of Vet's perpetual sacred fire over 30 yeas of dedicated Service. These women were highly honoured protected apd allowed to vote, ‘own property and write wll But this role wast ‘without its pitfalls and men devised punishments forthe Vesa if they were deemed to have fled in their duties. Fr example the fith king of Rome, Tarquin the Eder, decided a Vestal who Jost her virginity should be buried alive. Other ‘transgressions, suchas eting the sacred fre 0 out, were met with beatings. Sadly, women’s ‘rvleges were oly granted on the sy:so of men, although mote freedoms were granted as ume “A Roman woman was primarily expected to look after the household” 30 Roman Life and Society Ancient Rome, 200 BCE - today Roma Therm 1 Ancient Rome, personal hygiene was more ofa public affaiz From the obscenely wealthy right down tothe poorest ofthe poor, everyone needed to bathe and emperors made it their mission to build pubic thermae or baths, for {heir citizens. They popped up all oer Roman land and while we wil never know exact how many there were we do know that there were 170 in 33 BCE, just before the Roman Empite’s beginning, and the number ony ew ‘The ealy years ofthe empite saw a somewhat conservative society and so men and women bathed in separate thermae, sometimes the same building but spit i two, bu there is evidence that this changed overtime For instance, under ‘Emperor Domitian there was nothing to fbld the ‘sexes fom bathing sie by side. However ths changed under Hadrian who had ‘trite in aw that men and women should be separated inthe thermae In baths that had been bul with only one of each room, this meant that ‘men and women effectively had time sos or set ays that they could attend This then begs the question of the opening hours. We do know that the buildings elsed at sunset - all anclent writers seem unanimous in {her agreement ofthis - but opening times area lide more hazy Juvenal states that they opened a the fifth hour, while cher suggest that eighth oc dhe minh, ‘Whatever the time. twas signified by the ringing of ate bell or tntinnabakum, Everyone’ progression through the thermoe as the same, From the pales, cor exercise ground, they would change and then make their way though the rooms of the bathhouse from cold tot. No mater where you were in the Roman Empite you followed the same ritual -emperots may ‘came and go bur the themae would remain the same through the centuries, a Through the doors We ny tote thermae was fe it ay cost anything ust qua which sth event of ee penis ny. epening a the aos ad the epen, there woul eer be separate entances or tien and women aan entane for vey ‘Time for a workout ojo ong ino baths most woul eck ete plaa, er exeee ‘ound wheretiey would werk wpa fret bt swans compete ‘erment nt Roman cers rece asa way to mata ocd ak bog witha go let nthe ‘sy teu tener a Taos Westng. owing ad tall aes wert teed tthe sng end ne erate erat eer allowed slaves to Petes easy Psu Aiea Pees) ‘Moving indoors ‘The fs oon fhe then rope asthe tear, Invi beters wold be nae with l and eo the tram terture The lng wih aya, wou en escape ofthe sin sing carve This 0 when you could ecevea massage fom aed slave teen ave your hare. as hres odes wee sonst fermochal the Roman Ete Dress for the occasion ‘Toeapdterum.of charging om. mas whe the ater wuld et undressed they ated aed. ‘larand the wal ress where they co uta thes and ny persona logins "hy teh eh ther Bt i i coe th thei ofthe Asa en sme weal rns ound the thermae an ay the things Roman Thermae Feel the heat ‘larum which wae the ote oom ‘needing ety wold eto Themed ata marm poo of water Seat two mets we fe mete ng Sener de-geon be {hat tarot tg enough sim Keeping the heat big totes were insted ect eto the ick of eres hse were red by Slives who shold chao Tratcod and nan, ea 1 Ancient central heating ‘Toleep the warm rons warm the eran evs an ingenious metho ‘enjpcaist Smal pasa es sat unde the fer alent 3550 ‘rine ooms The tir we hen ough pes the wal sotha the ‘warmth wal soe the om ned ist cing up thrush te Do your business ‘When 7 ed go peo rns ‘son why el it omen ses, oe ‘rhb ont sods of dosing water However eran ets ere noting rs {rie the mn ld tn ‘ing themes wit pce otra pong ‘asic Tis woul then be tina ace of monly x et pen Roman Life and Society Eee peer ‘Adulterers Highcls couplesbavng iit tran he heey r i — eae One othe wert crnes in Ancient mes pe casies was teachery (patel ubersca Otende Underworld of Ancient Rome Underworld of Ancient Rome In the Senate and the streets, crime was rife in Ancient Rome. From escaped slaves to treacherous aristocrats, discover the extent of Roman villainy Arson oan) Pesiena ei Poeeemunndes unas rm Rares sane system cul be eect on the ‘ecor ie, nmere pala | cate ways they wee cau ‘lent Rome had a problem with crime Robberies were common, and so were violence and rioting, Merchants cheated their customers; desperate slaves escaped regulatly and joined other outlaws in their hiding paces beneath the ety Atte tp level af society, the wealthy and aristocratic were often ‘embroiled in secret or subversive pots. From, the top tothe bottom, the city was ride with ciminal activity. Beneath the streets of Ancient Rome lurked some ofthe cys most dangerous criminals. The ‘catacombs that frm a waren of tunnels and caves under the city were home o escaped saves and ‘outlawed religions that used the underground Tabysith as a hiding place Dat, often damp riddled with vermin,

You might also like