{rome}

ancient Romans were one of the most advanced civilizations in history. At its peak, the Roman Empire stretched across Europe, North Africa and Asia and was home to more than 45 million people. At the Empire’s center was Rome. Rome was one of the largest and most carefully planned cities in the ancient world. It had gleaming white marble temples and palaces. It had a public square called the Forum where Romans shopped, conducted business, played games, and visited with friends. Wealthier Romans lived in big houses built around courtyards. With more than one million people living there, the city was also a dirty and dangerous place, with a maze of side-streets and slums. Most Romans, were poor and performed unskilled labor for work. In contrast to the opulent homes on Palatine Hill, the working poor of Rome crowded into the ancient equivalent of apartment buildings. Their neighborhoods were noisy, and dirty. Politicians offered free food and entertainment to gain the support of the poor. People watched chariot races, as well as gladiator fights. Gladiators fought each other. Sometimes, they even fought wild animals to entertain the crowds. Gaius Julius Caesar was a Roman general and statesman. A member of the First Triumvirate, Caesar led the Roman armies in the Gallic Wars before defeating his political rival Pompey in a civil war. He subsequently became dictator