Ancient Roman Culture

Ancient Roman culture is responsible for many of the development of arts, engineering, education, religion and other aspects of society known to man. The remains of its monumental buildings such as the Coliseum and collection of gymnasiums, taverns, baths, theaters, basilicas and brothels tell much of ancient Roman daily living.

Romans were the first people to develop a system of waterways called aqueducts, which supply the cities with water and import large jugs of wine, oil and other items that fulfill the necessities of the people from neighboring empires and countries such as Spain, Gaul and Africa.

In the countryside, farms owned by the rich people are run by farm managers. Lower class people fed on bread dipped in wine or water while the upper class are served with meat, fruit, vegetables, bread and honey to sweeten their food. While the estate owners enjoy the splendor of nature and sunshine doing hunting, fishing or riding, the farm managers lord their lands, slaving the farmers to ensure comfort and wealth for their masters. Life in the countryside is generally slow but lively. Workers as well as average farm owners celebrate local festivities and social events.

The Roman system of education is heavily acquired from the Greeks. The main goal for Roman schools of to make its students effective speakers. Parents who could not afford to send their children to school are left to teach their children everything they knew. The father may teach his sons about Roman laws, history and customs as well as physical training and the girls are taught by their mothers to spin, weave, sew and cook. Ancient Roman language was Latin. The alphabet used was Latin alphabet, which is based on the old italic alphabet derived from the Greek alphabet.

Roman forums are described as the business center where people do their banking, trading, shopping and marketing. It is also the place where public speaking, festivals and religious ceremonies are held. It is also the center where people can express public opinion and elicit support for a particular issue of interest.

People visit public baths at least once a day. It is the place where people pay money for them to bathe with their friends and associates, and be attended by slaves serving towels and food. Public baths have hot and cold pools, exercise room and hair cutting salons.

When it comes to clothing, men wear togas and women wear brightly colored stola and palla or shawl. Young boys wear tunics that are hung down to their knees and bordered with crimson. The cloth of the dress distinguishes the class of a person; coarse and dark materials are worn by the lower class, linen and wool are worn by patricians, senators wear broad strips on their tunic and military tunic are worn shorter than the usual length to allow movement.

Roman writers were the first to do satires and refine performing arts through theaters. Ancient Roman musicians were the first to formulate the idea of scales, melody and harmony. Various forms of entertainment were used to pacify the urban masses. Activities like chariot races, musical and theatrical performances, mock sea battles, wild beast hunts, gladiatorial combat and public executions are held at the theaters and coliseums.

The imperial government keeps the ancient Roman people contented to prevent uprising and secure long term by means of food and entertainment. Convoys are organized to maintain supply of food and other necessities; the emperor sponsors endless series of games. Public buildings for entertainment, education and leisure are built.