Patricians were the upper class. They were wealthy land owners who held political offices or were rich business leaders. They lived very comfortably in homes decorated with art. They utilized the labor of enslaved people or poor people to serve and work for them.
Plebeians were the poor and working class of Roman society. They clashed with Patricians over representation in government. They were artisans, tenant farmers, laborers, and shop and tavern keepers. The poor generally lived in small apartments without running water.
Women cared for the house and children. They could own personal property and took an active role in social life attending parties, theater, and religious rituals. They could not vote or take part in government.
ENTERTAINMENT
SOCIAL LIFE OF ANCIENT ROME
ENSLAVED PEOPLE
CHILDREN
Romans enjoyed festivals, theater, sports, spectacles. They gathered in large open squares to socialize and hear speeches. They enjoyed "Roman baths" and went to giant stadiums like the Colosseum or the Circus Maximus to watch gladiator fights and chariot racing.
Enslaved people were a large part of Rome's society and economy. Most enslaved people were prisoners of war or Roman children sold in desperate times. Enslaved people had harsh lives and could be abused by their owners. Rome was sadly built upon this foundation of forced labor.
Children from wealthy families did not work or help in the house. They had enslaved people to do work for them. Kids would play with toys and games like tic-tac-toe and knucklebones. They were educated in reading, writing, and speaking or were apprenticed.