This book provides a clear, accessible examination of the major aspects of daily life--from food and sports to religion, education, and politics--of ancient Rome's common people, including slaves, and offers generous selections from a wide variety of primary source materials. Also included are thirty illustrations, a chronology of Roman history, a guide to Roman authors, and an extensive bibliography.
The book's use of primary sources to illustrate daily experiences makes it valuable both for the historical and cultural background it presents and for the wide array of Roman voices it includes. Its chapter arrangement and direct, informative style make it an excellent supplementary text for courses on classical literature. The chronology and brief biographies of Roman authors are valuable and uncomplicated resources --Okey Goode, Lewis-Clark State College
A very good, comprehensive introduction to Roman life. Especially valuableare the primary source quotes that let the ancients speak for themselves. I am particularly pleased that the author even probed the treasury of CIL in digging up primary sources. This helps students realize that the treasury of ancient Roman literature is vast, and is handed down to us in various forms. . . the index of authors, which provides a brief biography and list of major works for each, is especially attractive. Students, I feel, will find this index particularly helpful. All in all, a very fine intro. --Keith C. Wessel, Martin Luther College
David Matz is Professor of Classical Languages, St. Bonaventure University.