Roman Men

Morning Routine

The paterfamilias would get up at dawn.
Bedroom had: cubile (bed), arca (clothing chest), lasanum (chamber pot).
If a Roman man washed at all, he would wash his face and hands.
He would brush his hair with a simple comb.
Fashionable to be clean-shaven but Romans attended barvers.
Unlikely Romans brushed teeth although Pliny said to "rub the teeth with the ashes of a burnt mouse mixed in honey" to take away smell.

They probably slept in their underwear (a simple loin cloth and tunic) so he would slip on another tunic on top.
A senator's tunic would have a laticlavium (a broad purple stripe).
Worn with belt and reached the knees - any longer would be effeminate.
For special occasions, they would wear the famous toga but they were incredibly awkward to keep in place while walking.
They were hot and heavy and easy to make dirty.
Many emperors wanted people to wear togas but they wore simple tunics.

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As the working day finished at around midday, the afternoon was dedicated to exercise, entertainment and rest.

After a short nap, exercise was carried out at the baths or the Campus Martius.
Here, time was spent running, boxing, discus, and javelin.
Men also played ball games like trigon - where small, hard balls were thrown in a triangle.

After exercise, a bath was taken. Most baths were public as only extremely wealthy Romans could have private baths.
They were developed over time and, slowly, became a place to socialise.
There were also other forms of entertainment such as chariot racing, theatre and gladiatorial battle which were typically held on public holidays.
Gambling also took place in the evenings using dice.

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Morning prandium (breakfast) was usually: water and a piece of bread.
Afternoon prandium (lunch) was usually: something cold left from cena.
By about four in the afternoon, most people would think of cena.
They ate while reclined on a coach propped by pillows on their left side.
There were three courses:
- Gustatio (starter) included shellfish, vegetables and snails.
- Prima Mensa (main course) included several meat dishes with vegetables and sauces.
- Secunda Mensa (dessert) included fruits and nuts.
Wine was served both during and after the meal.
Friends were often invited to dinner and 9 people sat around the dinner table.
As the Romans ate and drank early, they would go to bed early so they would rise early the next day.

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