Digital Maps of the Ancient World

The People of Ancient Rome

Embark on a captivating journey through the lives of the people who inhabited the ancient city of Rome with our curated reading list.

(c) HBO

Delve into the diverse social fabric of Rome, from the aristocracy to the commoners, slaves, and immigrants, as you explore the multifaceted layers of Roman society. Engage with renowned scholars such as Beard, Noy, and Erdkamp, whose research offers invaluable insights into the daily lives, customs, beliefs, and struggles of the ancient Romans. From intimate portraits of individuals to sweeping narratives of social structures and dynamics, our reading list provides a comprehensive exploration of the people who shaped the destiny of Rome. Uncover the complexities of Roman identity, citizenship, family life, and social hierarchies, gaining a deeper understanding of the rich tapestry of human experiences that defined the Eternal City. Whether you’re intrigued by the lives of emperors, senators, soldiers, or ordinary citizens, our collection of scholarly works invites you to immerse yourself in the vibrant mosaic of ancient Roman society.

General

  • Connolly, P. & Dodge, H., The ancient city: life in Classical Athens and Rome, Oxford, 1998, 170-75.
  • Coulston, J. & Dodge, H., Ancient Rome: the archaeology of the eternal city, Oxford, 2000, Ch 11.
  • Erdkamp, P. (ed.) The Cambridge companion to ancient Rome, Cambridge, 2013, Ch 5, 26.
  • Stambaugh, J.E., The ancient Roman city, Baltimore, 1988, 213-4.

Further Reading

  • Beard, M., North, J.A. & Price, S.R.F., Religions of Rome: Vol. 1: A History, Cambridge 1998.
  • Dyson, S.L., Rome: a living portrait of an ancient city, Baltimore, 2010, Ch 10.
  • Harvey, P., ‘Estimating the population of ancient Rome: evidence, models and methods’ in Seminas de Estudios Romanos, 1992, 175-88.
  • Noy, D., Foreigners at Rome: citizens and strangers, London, 2000.
  • Storey, G., ‘The population of ancient Rome’ in Antiquity.71, Cambridge, 1997, 966-67.