#CLST6 #RR15
When investigating the social fabric & lifestyle in ancient Rome, we could look at one of the better preserved cities- Pompeii.
The houses we encounter at Pompeii, reveals the wealth & lifestyle gap between members of different social strata.
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A very high percentage of inhabitants (those from lower socio-economic backgrounds) were living in small one-room residences called tabernae (Dibble). These tabernae were also workshops in which their owners worked.
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In contrast, wealthy people such as D. Octavius Quartio could dedicate a very valuable land near the Pompeii amphitheater -with size extending the length of a city block- to a private garden filled with fountains and canals (Kleiner 143).
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On the bright side, Pompeii showcases a vibrant social scene. "Marketplaces were alive with people hawking one after another, selling different goods" (Dibble).
There's strong evidence of eating out-with options ranging from restaurants to fast-food joints (Dibble).
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The shapes of the counters found at these fast-food joints and dents on the roads caused by carts can even tell us about the foot and the cart traffic (Dibble).
This is really helpful when thinking about the social fabric of this small city.
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Sources:
Dibble, Flint.
Kleiner, Fred S. A History of Roman Art. Victoria: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2007. Print.