The Online Library of Knowledge

LET'S EXPLORE Ancient worlds

You are here: History > LET'S EXPLORE Ancient worlds > What was it like to live in Roman times?

Read Aloud and Word Lookup functions are available for subscribers

What was it like to live in Roman times?

A street in a Roman town. There were drains and sewers, but waste was mostly dumped straight into the street. People used stepping stones to avoid getting too dirty.A street in a Roman townA street in a Roman town. There were drains and sewers, but waste was mostly dumped straight into the street. People used stepping stones to avoid getting too dirty.Every Roman town had its own bathhouse, theatre, amphitheatre and circus (chariot racing circuit). There were also shops, bars, restaurants and workshops. Farmers from the countryside brought their produce into town to sell at the market. Wealthy Romans lived in luxurious townhouses or countryside villas. Poor people lived in small and cramped apartments, called insulae.

This Roman mosaic shows a woman from a patrician family. She is looking into a mirror held up for her by a slave girl.Patrician woman and slaveThis Roman mosaic shows a woman from a patrician family. She is looking into a mirror held up for her by a slave girl.

Citizens

Roman citizens were divided into two groups. Patricians came from noble families. All other citizens were plebeians. Slaves could not be citizens. Patricians travelled around by carriage or in litters (portable chairs) carried by slaves.Cutaway illustration of a domusCutaway illustration of a domusCutaway illustration of a domus

Domus

Let's Explore

Q-files now has new sections specially written for younger readers. They are: Living world, Earth, Science, Human body, Prehistoric life, Space, History, Geography and Technology.

go to LET'S EXPLORE

Q-files.com is certified by the kidSAFE Seal Program.

© 2020 Q-files Ltd. All rights reserved. Switch to Mobile