Question

Write a short paragraph that discusses how the culture of Rome and how it reflected life and values in the Roman Empire

Answer 1

Water

Romans were the first to develop a system of waterways called aqueducts, which supplied cities with water.

Food

Staples included corn or grain, oil and wine.
Husked wheat was used for porridge and bread.
Bread was often eaten with  cheese, honey, fruit, sausage, shellfish, fish, eggs, game, fowl, oysters, pork, dormice, or snails.
Sweets included tarts, pastries and cakes.
Food was often baked in a circular oven, cooked by cauldrons hanging from chains , or via vessels fixed onto gridirons.
Meat was often broiled.
Vinegar was frequently used in cooking.

Education

The focus of education was often on making students effective speakers.
The Roman alphabet was Latin.
Parents who could not afford to send their children to school were left to teach their children everything they knew.
Romans studied subject such as laws, history, physical training, spinning, weaving, sewing, and cooking.

Clothing

Togas, tunics, stolas, pallas, and shawls were often worn.
The cloth, such as linen or wool, distinguished the class of a person.

Writing

Roman writers were the first to write satires.
Romans refined performing arts through theater.

Music

Roman musicians were the first to formulate the idea of scales, melody and harmony.

Entertainment

Activities like chariot races, musical and theatrical performances, mock sea battles, wild beast hunts, gladiatorial combat and public executions are held at the theaters and coliseums.
There were many monumental entertainment buildings such as the Coliseum and gymnasiums, taverns, baths, theaters, basilicas and brothels tell much of ancient Roman daily living.
People often visited public baths at least once a day.

Government

There were many violent political struggles.
Rome started as a Republic but over time became an imperial government with a professional military.

Military

The military might wielded by the Roman Empire was legendary.
Swords, shields, and spears were commonly used weapons required for combat.

Furniture

Ornate couches were made of wood with a mattress, pillows, and coverlets and designed with interwoven straps across the top, one or two arms, and a solid back.
Wooden and iron-bound chests were common in every home.Padding was stuffed with straw, wool and feathers.
Many types of tables and seats were used for various purposes.

Decorations

Frescoes, paintings, sculptures, figurines, marble and mosaic designs, fine textiles, porcelains, glassware, and many other decorations were used during the Roman empire.
Water clocks were used to mark the night and day hours and could be kept indoors.
Ornate lamps which used olive oil or melted fat with twisted threads as wicks.

Jewelry

In order to curb the amount of jewelry worn, and to pressure people into conforming the accepted style, regulations and taxes were put on jewelry.
Jewelry was often adorned with many colored stones such as rubies, sapphires, topaz, pearls, and emeralds.

Construction

The construction techniques in ancient Rome were far more advanced than those of their counterparts at the time.
An early form of concrete twas used for buildings and statues.

Shipping

Not only did the Romans have great ships but larger storage pottery vessels were used for shipping goods.
Goods were exported to other countries or areas within the Roman Empire.

Money

Coins during this time were made with metal such as gold, silver, and bronze.
Coins would be minted with the face of the current emperor.

Tools

Lathing rods were turned by gears and ropes, powered by a treadle press or, a water mill.
Iron, bronze, and steel were metals often used.Wire was used for a lot of things.
The scythe used in farming was one of the first major consumer items produced in cast metal.
Hammerheads and blades were also used.
Navigational devices and sailing counterweights used to raise or lower sails were used by sailors.