Who knows about Ancient Rome?

Question

Can someone please tell me the differences between the upper class life and the lower class life in ancient rome and how it changed over time? Thanks so much!. =)

-Jaylen.

Answer 1

That is a VERY big question, but basically, the aristocratic families (the upper class) would often be educated in Classics (Homer, etc.), and would enter into public life to serve in the army, and then enter the senate at the appropriate age. With the rise of Christianity in the Empire, Latin Christian works on saints (hagiography) etc. could be read, as well as the Classics (though the Classics remained fundamental to education, and Christian teachers taught from them also). The biggest change, perhaps, was the rise of "soldier-emperors", emperors of 'peasant' stock. Emperor Diocletian, formerly Diocles (he changed his name when he became emperor), was said to be of a lower class.... Constantine was descended from a barmaid! Being born an aristocrat was no longer a prerequisite for a successful public career. Formerly, such oportunities were not available for the lower classes.