Economy
This was the main marketplace in Pompeii where goods were bought and sold.
What is the forum?
This group made up the lowest level of Roman society and had no legal freedom.
What are slaves?
This was the main political and administrative centre of Pompeii.
What is the forum?
This was typically the main meal of the day in Roman cities like Pompeii, often eaten in the late afternoon.
What is cena?
This small household shrine found in many homes was used for daily worship.
What is a lararium?
These small shops, often opening onto the street, sold food, wine, and everyday goods.
What are tabernae?
These were freed slaves who could work and earn money but had limited political rights.
What are freedmen?
These officials were elected annually and were responsible for law and order in the city.
What are duumviri?
These public buildings were used daily for bathing, exercise, and socialising in Pompeii.
What are the baths (or thermae)?
These gods protected the household and family.
An industry in Herculaneum that was based on the local produce and geography available as a coastal region.
What is the fishing/garum industry?
Large, luxurious homes like the House of the Faun show the wealth of this social class.
What is the elite (or patrician class)?
Graffiti on walls in Pompeii often promoted candidates for this process.
What are elections?
Carbonised loaves found in bakeries provide evidence of this common food staple.
What is bread?
The Temple of Apollo in Pompeii shows the importance of this type of religious practice.
What is public worship?
Amphorae found in Pompeii provide evidence of this key economic activity.
How do we know about trade in Pompeii and Herculaneum?
In Pompeii, inscriptions and tombs reveal the importance of this social value linked to reputation and status.
What is social status (or honour/prestige)?
Buildings like the basilica were used for this political and legal function.
What is law courts/legal proceedings?
Analysis of skeletal remains in Pompeii and Herculaneum allows historians to study this aspect of everyday life.
What are/is health, diet, and living conditions?
The presence of Egyptian deities such as Isis in Pompeii shows this aspect of Roman religion.
What is the influence of foreign (Egyptian) religions (or religious diversity)?
The presence of scales, coins, and graffiti advertising services helps historians reconstruct this aspect of economic life.
What is commercial activity/trade practices in Pompeii?
The variety of housing—from villas to insulae—demonstrates this key feature of Roman society.
What is social hierarchy (or inequality)?
Electoral graffiti provides evidence of this aspect of Roman political life, showing influence and persuasion.
What is political campaigning (or patronage/influence in elections)?
Street stepping stones in Pompeii reveal this practical aspect of daily urban life.
What is movement around the city (or managing traffic and waste)?
Evidence from temples, frescoes, and household shrines demonstrates this key feature of Roman religion.
What is the integration of religion into daily life?