The Best (and Worst) Jobs of Ancient Rome | Life in Ancient Times with

Discover the diverse jobs of ancient Rome, from prestigious careers like soldiers and artisans to the unpleasant roles of bathhouse attendants and laundry workers. This episode explores the labor that sustained Rome's bustling economy and vibrant urban life.

The most coveted job in the Roman world was being a Roman soldier. Soldiers served for 25 years, and upon retirement, they were often granted land in far-flung parts of the empire, such as Morocco, Syria, or Britannia. The life of a soldier was demanding, involving military training, campaigns, and marching across the empire. Soldiers were equipped with weapons like the Pilum, Gladius, and Scutum, along with protective armor like the Lorica Segmentata.

Other jobs in the Roman economy revolved around trade, construction, and art. At the Forum Boarium, the ancient cattle market, business flourished, and merchants and moneylenders contributed to building some of Rome’s architectural wonders, including arches and temples. Artisans played a key role in crafting essential goods from materials like bronze, glass, bone, and ivory, producing items that ranged from combs to frying pans and even fine silverware for the wealthy. Bathhouses employed people for tasks like plucking body hair, maintaining the heating systems, and ensuring the flow of water and cleanliness. Another unpleasant profession was working in the fullonica, or Roman laundry, where workers used urine and other harsh chemicals to clean garments.

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Life in Ancient Times with Darius Arya
Embark on an unforgettable voyage across the ancient world with archaeologist ‪@DariusArya‬, to unearth the secrets of civilizations past, delving into the daily rituals, extraordinary achievements, and cultural legacies that shaped our world as we know it today.