Life in Country in Ancient Rome

Life in Country in Ancient Rome

Many times, when we imagine Ancient Rome, we picture its crowded towns, enormous structures, and senators parading around in togas. But the majority of people in the Roman Empire were rural dwellers. The way of life in the city and the countryside were extremely dissimilar.

Life in Country in Ancient Rome

What did the people do in the country?

Farmers made up the majority of the population in the countryside. They put up a lot of effort in their task. They labored in the fields or completed chores until twilight after rising early in the morning. Some worked as blacksmiths, carpenters, innkeepers, and bakers, among other more skilled occupations.

Producing Goods

The Roman Empire’s economy was significantly influenced by its rural areas. Food was farmed in various locations and then transported throughout the empire. Grain was one of the most significant crops. Egypt produced a great deal of grain, which was subsequently sent to major cities like Rome. The Roman Empire also farmed olives and grapes, mostly for wine production and olive oil.

Small Farms and Big Estates

Small and large farms make up the landscape of ancient Rome. Large estates managed by affluent Romans who frequently owned a home in the city and a sizable villa in the countryside made up some farms. Slaves labored in the fields while servants handled the management of these plantations. Smaller farms were also operated by less wealthy farmers. With the occasional assistance of a few slaves, small farmers frequently tended the fields themselves.

Villages

Throughout the Roman Empire, there were a lot of little rural communities. A community close to a family’s land was common. Local artisans and some security were supplied by the village. Villages in various regions of the empire differed greatly. Many of the villagers and small-farmers had limited knowledge of Rome and the Roman Empire.

Farmhouses

Depending on the region of the empire, farmhouses varied. Usually, they were fashioned of local materials and were extremely small homes. Most houses were just one or two stories. To keep them secure, farm animals frequently resided in the huts with the farmers. Richer farmers may have a separate structure for the bath house, workshop, or perhaps the kitchen.

Villas

Large country mansions known as villas were owned by wealthy Romans. Compared to their city dwellings, these houses were substantially bigger. They had gardens, pools, and separate apartments for the servants. Romans would frequently go to their villas to unwind and get away from the bustle of the city.

Roman Legions

The Roman legions, the army of Rome, were typically positioned outside of cities and in rural areas. They worked to keep the peace or conquer new territory while residing in forts. A small property was sometimes granted to retired troops as part of their benefits. In addition to keeping former Roman soldiers residing in regions across the Roman Empire, this also served to maintain the soldiers’ happiness.

Facts About Life in Country in Ancient Rome

• One of the favorite pastimes for people visiting the country was hunting.
• Food for poor farmers was pretty boring. They usually ate beans and porridge.
• It is estimated the city of Rome had to import around six million sacks of grain each year to feed its large population.
• The wives of poor farmers worked very hard from sunup to sundown. They spent their day doing chores, preparing food, and making clothes.
• Olives were grown in Spain and North Africa and then imported to Rome.

Life in Country in Ancient Rome

Read also: Life in City in Ancient Rome