The Glory of Ancient Rome Roman Daily Life Chapter 9, Section 1

Roman Citizens At the time, Rome had no equal. A million or more people lived there at the time of Augustus. Being a Roman citizen was a matter of great pride. Only residents of the city itself were considered citizens.

Roman Citizens Every five years, Roman men had to register for the census. Census – official count of the people living in Rome. Declared their families, slaves and wealth. If a man didn’t register, he would risk losing his property. Could also be sold into slavery.

Roman Citizens Every five years, Roman men had to register for the census. Census – official count of the people living in Rome. Declared their families, slaves and wealth. If a man didn’t register, he would risk losing his property. Could also be sold into slavery.

Roman Citizens Women, girls, slaves and freed slaves were not counted. Their place in society was determines by their relationship to citizens. As the Roman empire expanded, citizenship was extended to those as well. Rome was the center of everything though.

Roman Social Classes Small number of rich people and many poor free people and slaves. Huge difference between their lifestyles. Majority of poor were unemployed and relied on government assistance. The rich had elegant homes in the city and possibly a country estate called a villa.

Roman Social Classes Rich had feasts that may also feature musicians, dancers, and performers. The poor lived in poorly built housing. Might also live in apartments that had no running water. Food and water carried up the stairs, trash and human waste were carried down or thrown out the window.

Roman Social Classes Poor buildings were made of wood. Fires were common and fatal. To keep the poor from rioting, the emperors would supply free grain and shows. Could be in the Colosseum or in arenas called circuses.

Roman Social Classes The circuses could be violent and could include animals fighting animals or humans, and humans fighting each other. Sometimes they might include public executions. Gladiators were fighters that would fight to the death. Most were slaves. A few were free men and women could also be gladiators.

Roman Family Life Many Romans had strong values. Valued family life. Government encouraged large families by giving benefits to families that 3 or more children. Mostly given to upper class citizens. Head of the Roman household was known as paterfamilias – father of the family.

Roman Family Life He could be the father, grandfather, or great- grandfather. Extended families lived together in one house. The Paterfamilias had absolute power. He owned everything Women, children, slaves, furniture, etc. He could sell a son or daughter into slavery. A son had to be emancipated, or freed, to do business or own property.

Roman Family Life Property and genealogy were thought of in terms of households. The household was passed on to the men. Women married into it from other families. The amount of freedom women were allowed depended on the family wealth. Wealthy women had greater independence. Lower class women took on jobs such as cooks, dressmakers, hairdressers.

Roman Family Life Slavery was common in Rome. Even poor families might have slaves. Slaves might be very trusted in the household. Household slaves were more fortunate than others. Some slaves were able to save tips or wages and buy their freedom. These would have special skills such as gladiators or chariot racers.

Homework Read pages 250-258 Answer Questions #1-4