The Untold Story of Rome: What Life Was Really Like for Its Citizens?
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.
The Price of Theft
In ancient Rome, penalties for theft were severe and scaled to the item’s worth. Minor thefts might incur fines, but as the value rose, so did the punishment’s intensity—from beatings to the dread of death for high-value thefts. Such stringent measures stemmed from Rome’s struggle with pervasive thievery, necessitating a rigid legal system to ensure societal order.
Crucifixion, the most feared sanction, was reserved for grave transgressions. This brutal method of public execution served as a deterrent, exemplifying the Romans’ commitment to protecting property and maintaining public order through a regime of fear.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.