LAW & COMMERCERELIGION

GOVERNMENTDAILY LIFE & ENTERTAINMENT

The City of Rome (culture)

LAW & COMMERCE

Slaves were the backbone of the economy, slaves typically farmed the land, manufactured goods and worked as shop assistants

hand made bronze coins value based on metal content

Rural products came from surrounding countryside

Marine goods from port of Ostia

Various sales taxes

Laws written 450BC in 12 “tables” & studied as a “Science”

Lawyers trained in speaking skills & not paid

Speaking skills seen as “manly” attributes 2nd only to fighting ability

Only citizens protected by law

Pater familiarisCriminal cases heard by

juries of wealthy citizens

RELIGION

Polythiestic = many godstradition and customPoorer Romans had less

knowledgePrivate religion very different to

public religionPublic temple worship unpopular,

controlled by the gov’tdemonstrated nationalism &

loyaltyPontifex Maximus = chief priest,

but political

RELIGION continued

Private devotion to ancestors (Lares) protectors of the house & food

(Penates) cults from the Eastern Med. Introduced

by returning soldiers swamped with Greek gods &

philosophies e.g. Stoicism, Epicureanism & Cynicism

Obsessed with signs, omens, portents, auspices etc.

By late Republic public religion and temples to Roman gods were in decline

Materialism became popular

GOVERNMENT & POLITICS

Constitution never written down based on traditions of the past

Law written 450BC, studied as a “Science”

Senate - seat of powerSuccess in the Senate required

Oratory (speaking) skill Military success Respectable family Wealth Clients “good omens”

GOVERNMENT & POLITICS continued

Roman leaders were expected to embody: Pietas – doing a man’s duty Gravitas – being serious &

authoritive Constantia – holding your

ground being consistent Comitas – a sense of

humour Disciplina – self discipline Industria – hard working Servitas – tough on yourself

Even more GOVERNMENT & POLITICS

Two Consuls were the head of the government

There were both the govenment and Thheavily populated area on the Subura Way

trades and manufacturing area High levels of crime, prostitution,

and the poverty Inscriptions provide evidence of a

Jewish synagogue Suetonius writes that Julius

Caesar, once lived here Juvenal refers to fires, falling

rooftiles, assaults, and mille pericula saevae urbis, "the thousand dangers of a savage city" (Sat. 3.8-9 ).

Entertainment

Romans were passionate about entertainment

Their top 5 past times would have been; Bathing Gladiator contests Chariot Racing Gambling Board games

Entertainment continued

Entertainment had an important social function As the number of slaves increased, Roman

citizens found they had increasing social time Men and women were segregated With the exception of the baths, citizens would

be segregated by social class Seating reinforced the social hierarchy with

Senators having the best seats, followed by Equestrians, Plebeian citizens and finally slaves

Entertainers were considered the lowest in society, therefore actors, gladiators, chariot racers were usually slaves

Even more Entertainment

Important political & propaganda functions Plebeians were undermployed, there was fear that without something

to do they would revolt Games were seen as a way to keep the Plebs happy & entertained Aspiring politicians would host games as a means of political

advertising in the lead up to elections Victorious generals used games to display captured slaves and

animals from conquered territories (and hence promote their political career)

Gladiators role played stories from Rome’s past and dressed as enemies or heroes of Rome

Theatre promoted particular Roman ideals and justified Rome’s actions Factions (teams) in chariot races represented political ideas e.g.

Optimates & populares