Roman Society: Social Structure and Public Life

Apuntes

208 Module 6 # Life in the Roman Empire ## The Big Idea The Romans developed a complex society in which different classes of people lived. ## Why It Matters Now Life in the Roman Empire inspired many of the social customs we have today. ## Key Terms and People villa paterfamilias circus augurs Throughout its history, Rome emphasized the values of discipline, strength, and loyalty. A person with these qualities was said to have the important virtue of gravitas. The Romans were a practical people. They honored strength more than beauty, power more than grace, and usefulness more than elegance. ## The Roman People Most people in the Roman Empire lived in the countryside and worked on farms. In Rome and smaller cities, merchants, soldiers, slaves, foreigners, and philosophers all shared the same crowded, noisy streets. Here, people from all walks of life came together to create a diverse society. ## Rich and Poor The Pax Romana provided prosperity to many people, but citizens did not share equally in this wealth. Wealth and social status made huge differences in how people lived. Classes had little in common. The rich lived extravagantly. They usually had both a city home and a country...