Daily Life in Ancient Rome

By Don Nardo

What was life really like for everyday people in Ancient Rome? In this detailed exploration of daily life in one of history’s greatest civilizations, readers will use primary sources and information from archeological discoveries to discover fascinating insights and debunk popular myths. Immersive timelines, maps and references to important people and events will bring children on a time-traveling journey through Ancient Rome.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Capstone Young Readers
• Release date: Aug 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9781484666050

Don Nardo

Noted historian and award-winning author Don Nardo has written many books for young people about American history. Nardo lives with his wife, Christine, in Massachusetts.

Book preview

Daily Life in Ancient Civilizations: Daily Life in Ancient Rome by Don Nardo

Contents

Cover

Title Page

Why were the Romans so Successful?

How did Social Status in Rome Affect People’s Lives?

What Kind of Houses did the Romans Live in?

How did the Romans Cook and Eat their Food?

What was Ancient Roman Family Life Like?

How were Slaves Used in Ancient Rome?

What did the Romans Do for Fun?

How did the Romans Worship their Gods?

How Much of Roman Life is Still with Us?

A Day in the Life of a Child in Ancient Rome

Timeline

Glossary

Find Out More

Index

Copyright

Back Cover

Cover

Title Page

Contents

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back cover

WHY WERE THE ROMANS SO SUCCESSFUL?

The ancient Romans were one of the most successful peoples in history. Their nation lasted from 750

bce

to 476

ce

—more than 1,200 years! During those years, their armies conquered one country after another. At its height, in the 200s

ce

, the Roman Empire covered much of Europe. It also included Britain, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East.

Map of Europe and countries around the Mediterranean Sea showing the Roman Empire.

This map shows the Roman Empire in the early second century

ce

, when it was the largest it had ever been.

A talent for the practical

This remarkable achievement occurred for several reasons. One was that the Romans had an amazing talent for solving practical problems. Also, they regularly applied that ability to building things. Roman painters, sculptors, and musicians created some wonderful works. But the true Roman artist was an engineer, or master builder. Rome’s world empire was created as much by its engineers as by its armies.

The Romans were also great borrowers. Often they chose the best ideas of other peoples and cleverly adapted them to their own needs. A good example was the scutum, the rectangular shield used by Rome’s soldiers. The early Romans adapted it from a neighboring Italian people, the Samnites. Rome also borrowed many religious and artistic ideas from the Greeks.

The Romans were determined to win and survive at all costs.