Forums
In Ancient Rome, forums were the most common job. Rome was a bustling city, filled with people of many different trades and professions. Every day, the market would be open on the forum and citizens would flock to buy and sell goods and services. Jobs found in the forum usually involved sales of goods or services, but many craftspeople, such as sculptors and painters, also worked in the forum. Apart from sales and craft, there were often entertainers and musicians who busked in the forum, as well as people of higher professions, such as physicians, who had their own offices there.
Forum workers, or forumites, were typically well-known people in Ancient Rome. Most successful traders and craftsmen achieved a level of fame in their profession, and some even went on to become very successful in their professions. As the business of the forum increased, the population living in Rome increased and the city prospered.
Farming and Agriculture
The second most common job in Ancient Rome was farming and agriculture. A large number of people worked in the fields and in the vineyards, growing fruit, vegetables and grains to feed the Roman population. The number of people employed in agriculture increased significantly during the early Roman Republic, as the population grew and the demand for food increased. Agriculture was extremely essential to Ancient Rome, and the majority of the population was employed in some way in the agricultural industry.
Roman farms typically grew wheat, barley, olives and grapes, and workers were often paid in kind. It was not uncommon for farmers to be paid in food and wine from the fruits of their labour, rather than in money. Farming was hard work and it was not uncommon for farmers to toil for long hours under the hot Roman sun.
Military
Military was another of the most common jobs in Ancient Rome. Although it was not a job in the typical sense, the Roman army was a key factor in the Roman Republic’s success. By the height of the Republic, the Roman army was arguably the most powerful force in the world and its standing army was made up of hundreds of thousands of professional soldiers. Working in the military was a point of pride for many Roman men, and it was also seen as a way to gain status and respect within Roman society.
The Roman military was extremely well-disciplined and organized and it was not uncommon for soldiers to receive high-level training and participate in war exercises. Although military service was often a dangerous profession, it was also a highly revered one, and many Roman men saw it as a great honour to serve in the army.
Architecture
Architecture was another important job in Ancient Rome. The citizens of Rome built an impressive number of monuments and structures, both for religious and civilian use, and architects and builders played an essential role in this effort. By the height of the Roman Republic, there was a degree of expertise in architecture and engineering that was unparalleled at the time.
Architects and builders would often be called upon to construct buildings, monuments and even bridges to accommodate the growing size of the city. They worked using both old and new techniques, and many of their creations still stand to this day. As such, Architects and builders were highly respected in Ancient Rome, and their expertise was well rewarded.
Slaves
Although not a typical “job”, slavery was a significant source of labour in Ancient Rome. Slaves came from all corners of the Roman Empire and were used primarily as labourers in the fields and in the mines. Although seen as a necessary evil by some, slavery was an accepted part of Roman society and was seen as a source of wealth for the upper and middle classes.
By the height of the Republic, it is estimated that nearly one third of the Roman population were slaves, with many of them working in the mines and in the fields to produce goods and services. Although many slaves were mistreated, many also had the ability to buy their freedom and rise in the social structure.
Teachers
Teaching was another important job in Ancient Rome. With the rise of the Roman Republic, there was an increased demand for teachers who could teach the children of Roman citizens. Most teachers were independent vendors, offering their services in various parts of the city. Occasionally, the state would set up public schools, but for the most part, it was an independent profession.
Teachers taught a variety of subjects, from basic literacy to mathematics and philosophy. Teaching was a highly respected profession and teachers often commanded high fees from their pupils. As such, teaching was seen as a prestigious and noble profession.
Politics
Finally, politics was also one of the most common jobs in Ancient Rome. All citizens were expected to take part in politics in some way, and it was seen as an essential part of Roman life. By the height of the Republic, the Roman Senate was filled with wealthy, influential Roman citizens who had achieved political success and status. Citizens who achieved success in the political arena often went on to become wealthy and influential members of Roman society.
The most influential citizens in Rome were often those who had achieved success in politics. Rome was a powerful and wealthy city, and the political sphere was the ultimate arena for competition and status.
Entertainment and Gambling
Enterertainment and gambling were also very common pursuits in Ancient Rome. Although not a typical job, these activities provided a source of relaxation and enjoyment for Roman citizens. With the dramatic rise of the Roman Republic, citizens began to look for new ways to spend their free time and entertainment and gambling provided the perfect distraction.
Gambling was particularly popular in Ancient Rome and there were a number of different types of games such as dice, chariot races and animal fights. Entertainers such as poets, musicians and acrobats were also popular in Rome and were often employed to provide entertainment at public events. It is not surprising, then, that entertainment and gambling were popular pursuits in Ancient Rome.
Religion
Finally, religion was a very important part of life in Ancient Rome. Religion was seen by many as the foundation of Roman society and it was very common for citizens to have religious practises and beliefs. Religion was also important to the state, as Rome was deeply religious and the state gods and goddesses were key figures in Roman politics. As such, priests, vestal virgins and other religious figures were among the most respected members of Roman society.
Religion was a major factor in Ancient Rome and it was not uncommon for political leaders to consult the gods and goddesses before making important decisions. Religion provided structure and guidance in Roman society and it was a popular profession for many citizens.
