Author Description

This study of Ancient Rome offers a fascinating glimpse of what Roman society was like--from fashion, to food, to politics and recreation--gathered from literary works, art, and archaeological remains. While the political history and prominent figures of Ancient Rome are well known, accounts of daily life in that time and place often remain untold. This fascinating encyclopedia explores this period from a social and cultural perspective, digging into the day-to-day activities of how Romans dressed, what they ate, how they worked, and what they did for fun. Drawing from recent archaeological evidence, author James W. Ermatinger explores the everyday lives of Roman citizens of all levels and classes. This book is organized into ten sections: art, economics, family, fashion, food, housing, politics, recreation, religion, and science. Each section contains more than two dozen entries that illuminate such topics as slavery as a social movement; the menus of peasants, slaves, and the elite; and the science and engineering solutions that became harbingers for today's technology. The work contains a selection of primary documents as well as a bibliography of print and Internet resources. Focuses on daily life rather than dates and wars, making for engaging content for all readers Offers a bibliography of important works as well as online and print resources for further reading Includes coverage of a breadth of topics ranging from performing arts to town planning and military uniforms to banquets Features approximately 250 entries with topics arranged alphabetically Connects to national standards for world history