The world of the antique Romans was divided into two macro-categories: free men and slaves, first Roman citizens and foreigners ("peregrini").
Slaves were everywhere, often prisoners of war and sometimes free citizens that were sold to settle their debts. Slaves were considered goods and could be sold. Without political or judicial rights, they were assigned hard work as well as intellectual duties, depending on their level of instruction. In rare cases, they could be freed by their master.
Every free citizen had three names: the "praenomen" (baptismal name), the "nomen" (family name) and the "cognomen" (last name). they usually dressed simple; a knee-length tunic and a hooded cloak. On special occasions they wore a "toga", a semicircular draped cloak made of wool. Common citizens wore white togas while those of senators and cavalry had togas with a purple border. This last type of toga was also worn by male youths under the age of 17 ("pueri").
The man was the "pater familias", or head of the family. The concept of family had a larger significance to the Romans: consisting not only of husband, wife and children, but also of grandparents, in-laws, nieces, and nephews. It s function was to transmit patrimony. More information in the chapter on women.

> The women

> Cuisine and antique Roman recipes

> The houses

> Live images from Rome through the remote control camera

> Places and constructions as seen today and as seen during Antique Rome

In the other chapters you can find: the latest news on excavation advancements in the Imperial Forum area, the history of Rome, sayings and habits of the Antique Romans. Select a chapter among the four titles in the black column on the right.