Life in the Country of Ancient Rome

We frequently see crowded Roman towns, enormous structures, and senators strutting around in togas when we imagine Ancient Rome. However, the majority of people in the Roman Empire were farmers. The way of life in the country was considerably different from the metropolis.

What did the people do in the country?

Farmers made up the majority of the population in the countryside. They put in a lot of labor. They rose early and toiled in the fields or conducted household duties until dusk. Some people worked as blacksmiths, carpenters, innkeepers, and bakers, which required greater skill.

Making Products

The Roman Empire’s economy depended heavily on the countryside. Food was produced in several locations and then transported throughout the empire. Grains were one of the most significant crops. Egypt was a major producer of cereals, which were then transported to major cities like Rome. Olives and grapes, which were primarily grown for olive oil and wine respectively, were other important crops throughout the Roman Empire.

Big Estates and Small Farms

There were farms of all sizes spread over the Roman countryside. Rich Romans who frequently owned a home in the city and a sizable villa in the countryside also owned several farms, which were substantial estates. These farms were typically run by servants, and slaves worked the fields. There were other smaller farms run by less wealthy farmers. Small farmers frequently worked the fields alone, perhaps with the assistance of a few slaves.

Villages

The Roman Empire contained a large number of small rural communities. Families frequently resided close to their farm in a village. The settlement also supplied some local craftspeople and security. varied regions of the empire have quite varied village styles. Many of the inhabitants of the tiny farms and hamlets had little knowledge of the Roman Empire and Rome.

Farmhouses

Depending on where in the empire one lived, there were several types of farms. They were primarily fashioned from local materials and were quite little huts. One or two rooms were the norm for dwellings. For their own safety, farm animals frequently resided in the huts with the farmers. Richer farmers might have a separate structure for the workshop, bathroom, and/or kitchen.

Villas

Large country mansions known as villas were owned by wealthy Romans. Compared to the dwellings they had in the city, these homes were much bigger. They had a number of apartments, servants’ quarters, swimming pools, and gardens. Romans frequently went to their villas to unwind and get away from the bustle of the city.

Legions of Rome

Roman legions, the army of Rome, were often stationed outside of the city and in the countryside. They worked to keep the peace or conquer new regions while residing in forts. A small property was sometimes granted to retired soldiers as part of their pension. As a result, the troops were kept content and former Roman soldiers continued to live across the Roman Empire.

Interesting Details of Countryside Life in Ancient Rome

Hunting was one of the most popular activities for tourists.

Food was fairly monotonous for poor farmers. Typically, they consumed beans and oatmeal.

To feed its sizable population, it is believed that Rome had to import some six million sacks of grain annually.

Poor farmer’s wife put through long hours from sunrise to sunset. They worked all day creating garments, cooking, and doing housework.

Rome imported olives that had been cultivated in Spain and North Africa.