A Short History of the World Chapter 35 - The Common Man’s Life Under the Early Roman Empire

In which the vast and varied Roman Empire of the early centuries A.D. is portrayed through the daily lives of its common people, revealing a complex mosaic of cultures, languages, and social statuses under the umbrella of Roman rule. We are shown a world where freedom was scarce, slavery widespread and harsh, yet slowly evolving, and where the grandeur of the empire’s monuments stood in stark contrast to the subdued spirits and constrained lives of most who dwelt within its domains.