The Roman Republic and its life

Roman cities were built to a plan: with streets, public buildings, temples, baths and markets. In the centre lay the Forum — a place for trade, meetings and religious rites. Water was brought into a city by aqueducts — high bridge-like water channels. Most people lived in 2–3-storey houses, while the rich lived in villas; houses were decorated with mosaics and frescoes. The Romans’ dress was the toga: boys wore one with a border, adult citizens a white toga. The Romans worshipped many gods. Jupiter was the chief god, Mars the god of war, Neptune of the sea, Vulcan of fire and smithing, Venus of love, Justitia goddess of justice, Fortuna of fate. Many gods matched Greek gods but had different names. Rites were run by priests — the pontiffs, while augurs foretold from the flight of birds and other signs. In the temple of Vesta the Vestals kept the sacred fire of the household hearth. Cities also had slave markets.