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Towns
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Roman towns were noisy and crowded places in which to live. Although there were magnificent public buildings, most people lived in squalid slums. Fire was a constant hazard and crime was rife. There was no street lighting so most people were afraid to go out after dark. Most towns did have a fire brigade and a police force, but neither was very effective. Road accidents and traffic jams were so common that many towns banned wheeled vehicles from the streets during the daytime.
Despite all this, the Romans thought that towns were the best places to live. They had the things that the Romans thought were very important in life: theatres, amphitheatres, racecourses, hot baths, taverns, and take-out food shops.
(A) AMPHITHEATRE
This was used for bloodthirsty shows like gladiator fights.
(B) THEATRE
Audiences at the theatre sat in a semicircle facing the stage.
(C) FORUM
The forum was the town's main meeting place and market square. The covered sides contained shops and offices.
(D) BATHS
Every town had at least one public bathhouse; large towns had several. Baths were popular social centres.
(E) AQUEDUCT
Aqueducts brought supplies of clean drinking water to the town.
(F) TEMPLE
Roman temple architecture closely copied Greek styles. Temples were usually built on a raised platform.
(G) BASILICA
The basilica was used as a law court and meeting hall for the town council. It was always built next to the forum.
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Previous:
Back
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Book:
The Romans
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Section:
The Romans
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Chapter:
Towns
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