Volume 4 of the 6-part Library set, Living in Ancient Rome covers the period from 753 BC to AD 476 in general history, but the text concentrates primarily on an ‘ideal’ period set some time in the reign of Hadrian. The book emphasises the aspects of daily life across all strata of Roman society, from the senatorial order to the plebs and slaves; from food to religious beliefs. While the lives of soldiers are discussed, it is from the legionary’s point of view – the campaigns, wars of the period and the emperors only form a passing reference when required to explain a system or institution.
Every page is packed with photographs, reconstructions, cutaways and lively illustrations from the hand of leading international artist Oliver Frey. Cross references work both within the volume and across the range of titles within the Library Set to provide a lively history for students aged between 10–13 years.
About the consultant editor
Norman Bancroft Hunt is the author of more than 20 books, including the award-winning People of the Totem and Warriors, as well as the 10-volume Encyclopedia of Native America and Historical Atlas of Ancient Mesopotamia. A doctor in historical and theoretical studies and a Fellow of the Royal Anthropological Society, Bancroft Hunt lectures on visual theory at the Kent Institute of Art & Design, England.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Place in History diagram / Landscape & climate / General Roman history in brief, from 753 BC to AD 476 / Roman chronology of major events / Government and Social Structure
- Chapter 1 — The Roman Family at Home
- Paterfamilias & Marriage
- Birth and adoption
- Illness and Funerals
- Education
- The Roman Domus
- What Romans Eat
- High-Rise Living – The Suburban insula
- What Romans Wear
- Life in a Country Villa
- Chapter 2 — A Working Life
- Date & Time
- Coming of Age
- A Senator’s Day
- Tradespeople
- Trades & Crafts
- Builders and Building
- Farming
- A Soldier’s Life
- Chapter 3 — Economy and Roman Law
- Roman Roads
- Merchant Shipping
- Ports & Warehouses
- Roman Water Supply
- Money, Banking, Treasuries
- Roman Law and Lawyers
- Crime & Punishment
- Chapter 4 — Religion and Relaxation
- State Religion
- In the Arena
- A Day at the Races
- The Theatre and Domestic Games
- A Day at the Baths
- Glossary and Index