Description
DAILY LIFE IN THE ROME OF THE CAESARS
Book Summary
This essay offers a close and detailed look at the history of Rome through the customs and daily lives of its inhabitants. Moving away from the great political and military milestones, the work focuses on describing the everyday activities of the citizens: the bustle of the streets, the markets, the thermal baths, gambling, and gladiator shows. Furthermore, it proposes an analysis of the Roman family as a social nucleus, addressing everything from marriage and divorce to the upbringing of children and dietary habits, for both the elites and the popular classes. The reader will find a vivid and human vision of life in the Empire.
What is it about?
The book begins by exploring the mythical account of the origins of the "Eternal City" to contextualize the traditions and legends that forged the Empire. From there, it dives into the public and private life of the Romans. It describes the hustle and traffic of the streets, the activity in the markets, shops, and taverns, as well as moments of leisure in the thermal baths, betting, and gambling. It also delves into the domestic sphere, analyzing the structure of the Roman family, the complex client relationships, the different ways of contracting marriage or divorcing, and the upbringing of children. The work attends to both the notables who inhabited luxurious villas and those who lived in humbler conditions, offering a complete overview of Roman society.
Main themes
- Daily life and customs in Ancient Rome
- Social organization: family, clientelism, and social classes
- Leisure and public entertainment: thermal baths, gambling, and gladiator shows
- Dietary habits and domestic life of different social strata
- Foundational mythology and traditions that shaped the Empire
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at readers interested in ancient history who wish to know imperial Rome from a more human and intimate perspective, far from great war or political narratives. It is ideal for those seeking to understand what the real life of Roman citizens was like, from their daily routines to their family and social structures.
What this book offers
- An intimate and detailed vision of public and private life in the Rome of the Caesars.
- Understanding of the social customs, leisure, and family organization of the Empire.
- A balanced analysis that encompasses both the elites and the popular classes.
- Contextualization of the traditions and legends that influenced Roman society.
Technical data
- Author: ARROYO DE LA FUENTE, AMPARO
- Publisher: Glyphos Publicaciones
- Language: Spanish
- Topic: ANCIENT HISTORY: UP TO C. 500 C.E.
- Collection: FONDO
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: April 2024
- Number of pages: 288
- Weight: 404 g
Editorial review
This work is of interest to the ancient history enthusiast for its focus on daily life, an aspect often overshadowed by great events. The author succeeds in constructing a vivid and accessible portrait of Roman society, combining the analysis of social structures with the description of daily activities. Its value lies in offering a closer and more human perspective of the Empire, allowing the reader to connect with the real experiences of its inhabitants.