The Roman Empire
Roman Baths
The Roman Empire was the dominant power starting from the reign of the emperor Augustus (30 B.C.E) to the death of emperor Marcus Aurelius (180 CE). This 210 year period was a time of dominance, tranquility, and peace, hence the name Pax Romana, which is Latin for "Roman peace". (The Pax Romana (Overview), 2012)
One unique attribute of the Roman Empire is the public baths. Romans had a wide variety of activities at the public baths. These baths not only included baths with different temperatures, but also exercise fields for ball games and wrestling, tracks, weight lifting rooms, massage parlors, food vendors, art displays, poetry readings, libraries, and gardens. The entrance fees to the baths were modest. This allowed even poor Romans to enter these complexes. Baths were also a place to relax and socialize with fellow citizens. People gathered to gossip, debate, exchange news and more. (Aldrete G. S., 2012)
Another attribute of the Roman Empire is the entertainment. Music, dance, and drama were not limited to theaters. Professional singers, musicians, or dancers were called on to perform after dinner at banquets. Poetry was also recited. Music was also played at gladiator games at the coliseum. Bands played along to song sung to move the audience. (Aldrete J. E., 2012)
Lastly, Rome had a considerable variety of food. At banquets, or dinner parties guest entered the building, removed their shoes, and were seated. They were then served food. Appetizers usually consisted of olives, snails, vegetables, eggs, or shellfish. After the appetizers, the main course was served. This was usually a meat dish such as boar, pig udders, eel, or lampreys. Some wealthy Romans kept a heated fish ponds in which they raised their own eels. Dessert was usually fruit, nuts of figs. (Dupont, 2012)
Rome was full of new ideas that influenced the world. Although it was only a short period of 400 years, the Roman Empire enjoyed an ongoing time of prosperity, tranquility, and peace. This is a major attribute in the success of Rome as an Empire. Not to mention the system of public baths, the entertainment, and the variety of food of this period. Anyone who could travel back in time and live in the time of the Roman Empire would be sure to enjoy their time there.
One unique attribute of the Roman Empire is the public baths. Romans had a wide variety of activities at the public baths. These baths not only included baths with different temperatures, but also exercise fields for ball games and wrestling, tracks, weight lifting rooms, massage parlors, food vendors, art displays, poetry readings, libraries, and gardens. The entrance fees to the baths were modest. This allowed even poor Romans to enter these complexes. Baths were also a place to relax and socialize with fellow citizens. People gathered to gossip, debate, exchange news and more. (Aldrete G. S., 2012)
Another attribute of the Roman Empire is the entertainment. Music, dance, and drama were not limited to theaters. Professional singers, musicians, or dancers were called on to perform after dinner at banquets. Poetry was also recited. Music was also played at gladiator games at the coliseum. Bands played along to song sung to move the audience. (Aldrete J. E., 2012)
Lastly, Rome had a considerable variety of food. At banquets, or dinner parties guest entered the building, removed their shoes, and were seated. They were then served food. Appetizers usually consisted of olives, snails, vegetables, eggs, or shellfish. After the appetizers, the main course was served. This was usually a meat dish such as boar, pig udders, eel, or lampreys. Some wealthy Romans kept a heated fish ponds in which they raised their own eels. Dessert was usually fruit, nuts of figs. (Dupont, 2012)
Rome was full of new ideas that influenced the world. Although it was only a short period of 400 years, the Roman Empire enjoyed an ongoing time of prosperity, tranquility, and peace. This is a major attribute in the success of Rome as an Empire. Not to mention the system of public baths, the entertainment, and the variety of food of this period. Anyone who could travel back in time and live in the time of the Roman Empire would be sure to enjoy their time there.