Quick Book Review: 24 Hours in Ancient Rome by Philip Matyszak
24 Hours in Ancient Rome is one of my favourite books about the Romans.
Although it is not as scholarly as a Mary Beard or Adrian Goldsworthy book, it is the most evocative as it paints a picture of daily life in history's most talked-about empire.
Philip Matyszak has done a masterful piece of writing in this book. It tells the tale of a wide range of stories based on scholarly work. From Senators to Gladiators to Bakers, and of course, the ladies of the night.
Each chapter is an hour of the day and someone else's life in ancient Rome. Some liberties are taken to present the picture. However, it provides a picture that is layered with detail and is a great way to envisage life in ancient Rome, outside of Legionaries, Caesar and Senators.
5 Things Learned About Ancient Rome from this book
- The Roman Gods played a very practical part in people's lives.
- Being invited to dinner was a very important part of everyday life.
- Most people ate and leisured in third spaces.
- Rich families had or rented slaves called delicata, essentially young children who acted as pets to older children.
- Slavery underpinned the logistics of the city, and its use of slaves was casual and ingrained into society in ways I had not imagined.
You can buy 24 Hours in Ancient Rome here.
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