Daily Life in ANCIENT ROME! Protection Wall: They built a wall around their city to defend against attack. Bridge: They built a bridge across the Tiber River to reach their farmlands easily. Roman Classes Two groups of people lived in Rome: Patriciansrich nobles Plebeianseveryone else, including well-to- do workers, all the way down to the poor Roman Families The oldest male was head of the family. In ancient Rome, everyone in a family lived togetherkids, parents, and grandparents. Roman Families The head of the family had great power. He had the power to sell a family member into slavery. A womans job was to care for the kids and the house. Under the republic, women had little freedom. Rome Daily Life The ancient Romans started their day with breakfast. The rich ate fresh fish, fruits, vegetables, bread, and honey. The poor ate bread, olives, cheese, and raisins. Roman Slaves Slaves: Slaves had no rights. They were property and were bought and sold. Some slaves were well treated. Others were not. The Forum The Forum was the main marketplace and business center. Shops Banks Temples Festivals Ceremonies Poets Jugglers The Forum The Forum was a place for public speaking. The job of a Roman orator was to argue persuasively. At the Forum, you might hear a court case or someone giving a speech. The Forum (in its prime!) The Forum today Education The goal of education in ancient Rome was to be an effective speaker. The school day started at 5 a.m. and continued until 5 p.m. Kids got a break for lunch and a short nap. Education Kids learned how to read, write, and count. Scrolls Handwritten books Roman numerals Roman alphabet Greek Latin Literature Roman Baths Next stop, the baths! During the republic, the baths were for patrician men only. They offered Heated swimming pools Reading rooms Barber shops Food Roman Baths A trip to the baths was an important part of ancient Roman daily life. Roman noblemen visited the baths once a day. It was a place to conduct business, while soaking in hot water. Roman Bath Houses Roman Homes Plebeians lived in small apartments. One room Made of wood Threat of fire No running water No toilets No sanitation Roman Homes Patricians lived in large houses. Single-family homes Brick, with red tile roofs Running water Bathrooms Paintings Mosaic tile floors Roman Theater Plays were performed during religious festivals only. Actors were men. Actors used masks and pantomime to make sure everyone could follow along. Plays were held in round amphitheaters so that everyone could see and hear what was going on! Roman Sports Ball games Riding Wrestling Throwing Catching Swimming Hunting Fishing Chariot Racing Races were conducted on public roads that wound between the seven hills. Winners won prizes. Losers were wished better luck next time. Chariot races were often held at a place called the Circus Maximus.