Beyond Rich and Poor: Life in Rome’s Middle Social Ranks
Roman society was sharply divided between the wealthy elite and the poor majority, yet a smaller group occupied a space in between. This segment showed signs of moderate prosperity, though …
Life in Ancient Rome: Crisis, Chaos, and Daily Struggles
Life in ancient Rome during the third century was full of challenges and uncertainty. People faced political instability, economic troubles, and frequent threats from both inside and outside the Empire. …
Blood in the Arena: The Pompeii Gladiator Riot of 59 AD
When Games Turned to Blood The amphitheater of Pompeii once rang with the cheers of eager spectators, the clang of swords, and the cries of wounded gladiators. But in 59 …
What Happened to the Wealth of Crassus?
Life among the Roman aristocracy was defined by incredible wealth and luxury. While most Roman families lived modestly, elite families controlled fortunes that allowed them to build lavish villas, own …
Beer in Ancient Rome
In the ancient world, beer held a unique place in many societies. While some cultures treated beer with reverence and even had gods dedicated to brewing, the Greeks and Romans …
The Newspaper of Ancient Rome
In ancient Rome, the movement of news and information played a crucial role in shaping society. When a senator named Catiline plotted against the government, it was the effective spread …
10 Foods That Fed The Roman Empire For Years (Not Pizza or Pasta)
Roman cuisine was built on practicality and resourcefulness. Rather than grand feasts, most people relied on simple foods such as porridge made from grains, hearty lentils, and basic breads. These …
Inflation and the Fall of Rome
Inflation is not just a modern concern. It has been around for thousands of years, shaping economies in ways that are still felt today. Looking at how the Romans handled …
The Welfare Program that Fed a Million Romans
In the ancient world, the city of Rome stood out for its enormous population. While most other cities had just a few thousand people, Rome was home to about a …
How Does the Arab World View the Roman Empire?
When thinking about Roman emperors, people often remember names like Caesar or Augustus. Outside of Europe, though, views on Rome can look very different. In the Arab world, the Eastern …
How did Wealthy Romans make their Fortunes?
Wealth among the elite in ancient Rome reached levels that are hard to imagine today. Some individuals owned thousands of slaves, massive herds of cattle, and enormous estates. Their money …
How Was Marijuana Used In Ancient Rome?
Cannabis has a long and interesting history, but most people do not know much about how it was used in ancient Rome. The evidence that survives comes mainly from a …
Roman Afterlives
In a dramatic episode of Roman history, the young consul Cicero faced a grave challenge with the flawed Catalinarian conspiracy. As the Senate debated how to punish those who plotted …
Here’s What It Was Like For Prisoners In Ancient Rome
Throughout history, Rome had a complex and evolving relationship with punishment and imprisonment. In the early days, prisons as we understand them today didn’t exist. People who broke the law …