ROMAN PEASANTS

Roman peasant life was a challenging and often arduous existence. Peasants, or plebeians, formed the backbone of the Roman economy, providing essential agricultural labor. They cultivated crops like wheat, barley, olives, and grapes, and raised livestock such as sheep, goats, pigs, and cattle.

Peasants lived in simple, often one-room homes made of mud brick or stone. Their diet was primarily vegetarian, consisting of bread, porridge, vegetables, and fruit. Meat was a luxury reserved for special occasions. Water was drawn from wells or rivers, and sanitation was poor.

The daily life of a Roman peasant was centered around agricultural tasks. Men plowed fields, sowed seeds, harvested crops, and tended to livestock. Women were responsible for household chores, preparing meals, caring for children, and weaving cloth. Children often helped with farm work from a young age.

Peasants were subject to heavy taxation and could be conscripted into the Roman army. They often faced economic hardship, as their land could be seized by wealthy landowners or taken over by the state.