The Realities of Daily Life for Common People in Ancient Egypt versus Ancient Rome

The civilizations of Ancient Egypt and Ancient Rome stand as two of the most influential cultures in human history, each leaving a profound legacy in politics, architecture, religion, and social structure. While much attention has been given to the elites of these societies – pharaohs, emperors, and their noble courts – the daily lives of common people, who made up the vast majority of the population, offer a fascinating and essential window into the functioning of these ancient civilizations. Understanding the realities of daily life for common people in Ancient Egypt versus Ancient Rome requires an exploration of various aspects, including housing, work, family life, diet, religion, and social structure. By examining these elements, we can gain a clearer picture of how ordinary individuals navigated the challenges and opportunities of their respective societies, and how these experiences differed between the Nile Valley and the Roman Empire.

The Day-to-day of a Commoner: Housing and Urban Life

In both Ancient Egypt and Ancient Rome, the type of housing and the conditions in which people lived were closely tied to their social status and wealth. However, the common people in both civilizations typically resided in more modest dwellings, though the materials and construction varied according to local resources and climate.

In Ancient Egypt, common people often lived in small, mud-brick houses. These houses were usually built close together, forming densely packed villages along the Nile River. The design of these homes was simple, with flat roofs that were sometimes used for additional living space or for drying crops. The interior typically consisted of two or three rooms, with little in the way of furniture. The walls were often coated with plaster and sometimes painted with simple designs or left bare. Due to the arid climate, the mud-brick construction was practical, as it kept the interiors cool. However, these houses were not very durable, often requiring frequent maintenance or rebuilding.

In contrast, Ancient Rome had a more diverse range of urban housing, largely due to the complexity and size of its cities. Common people, especially in the crowded urban centers like Rome itself, often lived in insulae – multi-story apartment buildings constructed from brick, concrete, and wood. These insulae were notorious for their poor construction, with the upper floors being the most precarious and least desirable, often occupied by the poorest citizens. The apartments within these buildings were small and cramped, usually consisting of one or two rooms with minimal furnishings. Due to the high cost of space in the city, entire families might be confined to a single room. The overcrowded conditions in the insulae contributed to a high risk of fire, which was a common and deadly hazard in Roman cities.

While both civilizations provided their common people with relatively modest housing, the urbanization of Rome led to more complex living arrangements, often with a higher degree of discomfort and danger compared to the simpler, more rural-oriented Egyptian homes.

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Top image: Bustling Roman marketplace.     Source: klss777 / Adobe Stock

By Aleksa Vučković