What Was Life Like in Ancient Rome?

Before apps, cars, or central heating, Romans built cities, ran businesses, and complained about taxes.

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So what was daily life actually like in ancient Rome?

In this episode, we break down Roman stereotypes (like orgies and toga parties), explain who had power (spoiler: not you), and explore how class, work, and leisure shaped the Roman world. From the lives of slaves and plebeians to patricians and emperors, we draw modern parallels to help make sense of it all.

Did the rich really eat lying down? Why was going to the bathroom a networking event? And could a freed slave become richer than a noble?

This is the episode where Uncle Bob walks away knowing:

• Not all Romans wore togas—just the rich ones

• “Bread and circuses” wasn’t a metaphor, it was crowd control

• The Roman military was the only ladder out of poverty (and it was still a dead-end)

• Emperors either ruled the world or got stabbed by their bodyguards

We also get into:

• Why top-floor apartments sucked

• How Roman social media was literally just poetry read at dinner

• What Denzel has to do with casting Roman movies

If you think ancient Rome is boring, this episode will change your mind and maybe ruin your next wine and cheese night.