Cambridge Latin Course History Section Revision :) Book 1

CAECILIUS -- STAGE 1

• Pompeii was situated at the foot of Mount Vesuvius, on the coast of the bay of Naples with a population of around 10,000.
• Caecilius was a rich Pompeiian banker and accounts were found in his strong box that showed he had various other jobs like a tax collecter, auctioneer, farmer and money-lender. He dealt in slaves, cloth and property and with many jobs on the size, Caecilius would have made BIG money.
• Only Roman citezens would have full names like Lucius Caecilius Iucundus. The first name was his personal name, the second referres to the clan he belonged to and the last his family name. Slaves would only have a single name such as Clemens or Grumio. 
• Caecilius could vote and had right, the slaves didnt the ony law rotecting them said their master couldnt have them killed for no reason, it had to be justifiable.
• Metella, his wife was in charge of household managment and supervised the slaves. Married women helped entertain guests but could go out with friends. shop and attend public events. Managing businesses was rare.
• Villas were different. Wealthy men owned houses with one story with few, low windows to let in minimal heat but enough sunlight.  Many had shops o the side which were rented. The villas never looked very attractive.
• When through the ianua, it would lead them to the atrium with a impluvium- a shallow pool- in the middle. A small shrine, minimal furniture finsihed off this impressive room. Mosaics covered the floor and paintings of myths covered the walls.
• The garden - hortus- was very attractive and the pompeiians did not regard their homes as private places. Business would be conducted in the house and often slaves outnumbered their masters. Only wealthy people lived like this, most lived above shops or in blocks of flats, most in very poor conditions.

DAILY LIFE -- STAGE 2

• Slaves woke up before dawn to clean. Caecilius woke at dawn, dressed, washed his hands and face with cold water.
• Then he went and shaved and after would enjoy a leisurely visit to the baths. His wife also got up early, dressed and had slaves style her hair and put on makeup and jewellery.
• Breakfast was only a light snack.
• The first duty of the day was to recieve the respectable greetings of a number of freedman and poorer people. He would meet them in the atrium and give them some money, in return they would support him at public occasions.
• He had no other business so he went home sat in the forum where he spent the rest of the morning trading and banking.
• Luch at midday consisted of  meat or fish with fruit.
• Caecilius would then have a short seista before going to the baths.
• After that the main meal Cena would be eaten. Wealthy Romans would eat with fingers and eat reclined on a type of sofa.

THE TOWN OF POMPEII -- STAGE 3

• The town of Pompeii was 5…