Lesson 4: Daily Life in the Roman Empire

Key Idea

Daily life in the Roman Empire was defined by extreme inequality. A small number of wealthy families had great power and comfort, while the vast majority of people were poor. This created two very different experiences of life in Rome.

The rich lived in spacious villas and enjoyed fancy banquets. The poor crowded into dangerous, wooden apartment buildings and survived on simple food like bread. The laws also treated the wealthy much more favorably than the poor, who struggled to find justice.

Key Idea

In ancient Rome, the family was the center of society. The oldest living male, known as the paterfamilias, was the head of the family. This title meant "father of the family," and he held great power over everyone living with him.

The paterfamilias had complete legal authority over his entire household. This included his wife, his adult sons and their families, his unmarried daughters, and all enslaved people. He made all major decisions, such as arranging marriages and controlling the family's property.

Key Idea

Being a Roman citizen was a prized status that offered legal rights and protections. However, the value of Roman citizenship depended greatly on a person's background and social class.

Wealthy citizens, called patricians, enjoyed far more power and privilege than poor citizens, known as plebeians. A patrician often had a better chance in a court of law than a plebeian.