When it comes to the history of Ancient Rome, we have all heard different accounts. Some accounts say Julius Caesar declared himself dictator. Others say Christianity was the main religion of the Roman Empire.
However, hardly anyone knows how Roman citizens lived or spent leisure hours. Here’s a clear picture of what the ancient Roman era looked like.
The Ancient Roman Empire
From 625 BCE to 476 CE, the ancient Roman Empire remains one of the most iconic. Their inventions and their way of life make Ancient Rome one of the most influential cultures the planet has ever seen.
According to historians, the citizens of ancient Rome started their day before dawn. Living before electricity, the people made the most out of their day.
They Had Exploding Toilets
While the concept of exploding toilets may sound bizarre in modern times, it was a thing in the ancient Roman era. They used communal restrooms featuring lines of toilets, one following the other, with everything washing into the sewers.
Unfortunately, the sewer system wasn’t the same as it is today. Hence, dangerous gasses, like methane, built up in the sewers and caused explosions.
Ancient Rome Had Bathhouses
One of the many fascinating things about Ancient Rome is the baths. The baths were more than just a place to have communal baths with the rest of the town.
The Roman baths could house 1,600 bathers, a gym, a library, and two 19-foot fountains. In addition, the baths were a gentleman’s establishment with marble statues, artwork, and mosaics. Hence, they served as a place to socialize.
The Roman Emperors Used the Public Baths
It’s a given that the Roman baths, with their population, were a common place to catch all kinds of illnesses. Still, emperors showed up to the baths, and the people treated them like celebrities.
While the masses had to slather themselves in oil and rub their backs on stone walls to exfoliate, the emperors had an entourage of people to do it all for them.
Chariot Racing Was Ancient Rome’s Most Popular Sport
Aside from the baths, the ancient Romans loved a good chariot race. The Circus Maximus, a chariot racing ring in Rome, held 150,000 to 200,000 people during Julius Caesar’s reign.
Hence, chariot racing was the most popular sport across ancient Rome, with each race consisting of four teams. Besides the fun of watching the sport, it was another avenue to socialize.
People Made Money Through Chariot Racing
According to reports, each racer would get a share of the winnings if they were on the triumphant team. In addition, betting on chariot races was a popular sport throughout ancient Rome. The racers weren’t left out of the fun, as they would often bet too.
Consequently, drivers usually moved to the most successful teams to get proceeds from the race.
Ancient Romans Loved Dogs Like Family
It’s no secret that dogs have long been humans’ best friends. However, not everyone knows how long the four-legged additions have been a part of our lives. Ancient Romans loved their dogs so much that the Molossus, a huge breed, filled their homes.
Dogs even had collars and leashes, with “Beware of the Dog” paintings and mosaics a common sight across the city.
People in Ancient Rome Believed in the Supernatural
While it’s no secret that witchcraft dominated Europe for centuries, those living in Rome reportedly believed in magic and sorcery. They allegedly had plenty of spells commonly used to affect their daily life.
One of their spells involved putting three pieces of incense at the entrance of a mousehole. Afterward, they tie an enchanted thread to a dark lead to keep people quiet.
Ancient Rome Used Temples as Banks
Famous for their innovations, the ancient Romans developed a way to keep their wealth. However, the temples across Ancient Rome doubled as banks. According to reports, the basements served as vaults, and security heavily guarded them at all times.
Although the money was safe with them, the rich preferred to deposit it with priests in many temples because fires were common.
It Was a Patriarch Society
In ancient Rome, feminism was not a thing, as men controlled everything. Men were in charge of arranging marriages for the family and divorcing their wives if they pleased. In addition, they were in charge of rejecting newborns if they saw fit or couldn’t afford to keep them.
On the other hand, women only had two jobs: marry and have children. However, if they fail in the latter, they are the problem.
The Poor Lived in High Rises
Life in ancient Rome was mainly filled with those on the poorer end of the scale. In ancient Rome, the poorer you are, the higher your apartment. Hence the concept of high rises.
Historians call the buildings in ancient Rome insula, which means “island,” and stood up to 100 feet tall. They reserved the bottom floors for those with more money, and the ones without money lived in the worst apartments on the top floors.
Burning Buildings Were Common in Ancient Rome
Since they made their houses from wood and mud, they were highly flammable. Unfortunately, those living in ancient Rome couldn’t access the same materials we do today. Hence, fire outbreaks were common.
One such fire is The Great Fire of Rome, which burned for six days and destroyed two-thirds of Rome. The ancient Roman firefighters, Vigiles, contained the fire by knocking down nearby buildings.
