Life in Ancient Rome wasn’t just about gladiators and togas—though, let’s be honest, there were plenty of both. These 20 artistic depictions bring the empire to life, showing everything from lavish banquets and bustling markets to wild chariot races and questionable fashion choices.
1. Conversing
2. “A Fresco” By Cesare Maccari
Depicting Roman senator Cicero denouncing the conspirator Catiline in the Roman senate.
3. Slaves for Sale
4. Circus Maximus
5. A Roman Feast
People often ate laying down.
6. The Unveiling of the Twelve Tables
7. A Roman Bathhouse
8. Gladiators
Sports were very important in Roman society, especially the gladiator games.
9. Roman Grain Mill
10. Secessio Plebis
11. Playing Sports
Many people exercised and practiced sports in the afternoons.
12. Ancient Rome
13. Market
14. A Mask Seller
Business in ancient Rome.
15. The Festival of Saturnalia
16. Caesar
17. The Roman Army
The Roman Army was mighty and well respected, made up of both poor and well-off citizens.
18. Religious Festival
19. Mausoleum of Hadrian
20. Fire
Fires were fought by citizen soldiers, until a fire brigade was set up around 70 BC by Marcus Licinius Crassus. However, it was private.