The Ancients How to Survive in Ancient Rome
4 snips
Jan 4, 2024 
Tristan Hughes is joined by Ben Kane to discuss daily life in Ancient Rome, covering topics like street life, chamber pots, pickpockets, and slavery. They explore the realities of living in the Roman Empire, highlighting the smelly and dangerous nature of the era.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Reality of Roman Streets
- Ancient Rome was a large city with mixed wealth neighborhoods and narrow, often unpleasant streets. - Many streets were no wider than 10 feet and had open sewage, making urban life challenging.
Crassus' Fire Brigade Riches
- Marcus Licinius Crassus gained wealth by running a private fire brigade. - He exploited fires by offering to buy properties cheap before destroying buildings to stop fire spread.
Roman Sanitation Challenges
- Public toilets were a major perk for city dwellers in Rome. - Chamber pots were used at night but disposal practices often caused human waste in streets, contributing to foul conditions.