How were living conditions different for rich and poor Romans?
Living conditions were vastly different for rich and poor Romans. Wealthy Romans lived in large, comfortable homes with multiple rooms, courtyards, and gardens. The houses were decorated with elaborate furnishings and artwork. They also had access to public baths, entertainment venues such as theaters, gladiator games and various forms of sports, and lush gardens. Rich Romans enjoyed sumptuous feasts, including exotic and expensive foods such as fish, shellfish, and meat, while the poor would have had a limited diet.
On the other hand, poor Romans lived in crowded, poorly-ventilated apartments or small houses shared with several families, with no access to private space. The living conditions were squalid, and public health issues like disease and poor sanitation were rampant. They did not have access to the luxuries of the wealthy, and their diet was mainly limited to grains and vegetables.
In summary, the living conditions for poor Romans were starkly different from the comfortable lifestyles of the wealthy, emphasizing the large wealth gap that existed in ancient Rome.