Life in Ancient Rome

Rome EP 9/10 Rome: A brief study of life and politics in ancient Rome In the first season of Rome, the audience is introduced to Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo, two Roman soldiers whose lives intertwine with the historic events that transpire in the series. The ninth episode of the first season, "Utica," helps to depict the striation between the classes that was present at the time.

In the tenth episode, "Triumph," insight is given into the importance of a Triumph and how culture, politics, and religion are reflected in the event. "Utica" allows the viewer to see how classes were separated and how their lives differed from each other. In the series, classes are divided as the upper class or nobility, the plebes, and freemen and slaves.

The representatives of the upper class in this episode include Julius Caesar, Attia of the Julii, Gaius Octavian, Octavia of the Julii, Marcus Junius Brutus, and Servillia of the Junii. These members of the upper class live in sprawling villas within the city that are heavily guarded and serviced by a multitude of slaves. They spend much of their time socializing and/or discussing politics and are often shown to throw parties in order to network or strengthen political ties.

Beyond serving in the Senate, or preparing become a public servant, the men are not employed outside the home; the women do not work either and though they are not members of the Senate, they are engaged in political warfare beyond closed doors and try to ally themselves with the most powerful men either through marriage or other sexual relationships. The plebes are shown to live in a more crowded part of the city in what appear to be apartment like complexes.

Lucius Vorenus, his wife, Niobe, Titus Pullo, and the freewoman, Eirene, are representative of the lower classes. Unlike the upper class, the people of the lower class must work for a living; they are tradesmen, shopkeepers, artisans, business owners, or slaves; while Eirene works in Vorenus' home as a slave, Pullo, Niobe, and Lucius work in a successful butchery that is owned/run by Niobe and her sister.

Though involved in politics to an extent, the people are more worried about their day-to-day activities and finding a way to make a living. Additionally, unlike the upper classes that are extravagant in celebrating religious festivals, dressing, and in their general lifestyles, the lower classes are humble, simple people who do not need to show off their wealth to demonstrate their power. While the plebes and freemen and slaves appear to have similar goals and lifestyle habits, freemen and slaves are often denied the right to participate in public events.

In "Triumph," various aspects of culture, politics, and religion are explored. In the episode, Julius Caesar is asserting his position within the Senate, and the city, as a powerful leader. As a cultural event, the Triumph brings together the elite and the plebes, but excludes freemen and slaves, and encourages them to participate in the festivities. It allowed the people of Rome to witness Caesar's achievements and to accept them as their ruler.

The Triumph also served as a religious ceremony; in "Triumph," Caesar's face is painted red to represent Mars or Jupiter and helps to assert Caesar's position of power as both a Senator and as a war leader. Politically, the Triumph demonstrated to the people how the city had prospered from war. It allowed Caesar to parade his spoils and to.