French People Arr. Rude Podcast Show Notes
S1, E20: Slaves, Plebs, and Patricians—Who Actually Ran the Empire?
In this episode of French People Arr. Rude, Sean and Brandon break down the rigid but sometimes surprising class hierarchy of Ancient Rome. The city was run by the rich, built by the enslaved, and sustained by millions of working-class citizens who rarely made it into history books. From gladiators earning freedom to emperors murdered by their guards, this episode reveals how power flowed (and backfired) through Roman society.
What Was Life Like in Ancient Rome?
If you think ancient Rome was all wine, orgies, and marble columns, you’re not wrong, but there’s far more to the story.
Ancient Rome Stereotypes
What do you think, True or False? Click the arrow to check if you’re right!
#1: All Romans wore togas.
True, but mostly adult men. Boys were given togas around age 13 to show they’d come of age.
#2: They were always in orgies.
Technically true, but only during major festivals. Public drunkenness and sexual freedom were expected during certain holidays, but it wasn’t an everyday thing. Mostly upper-class behavior.
#3: They ate grapes on couches while slaves fanned them
True, for some of the rich. Upper-class Romans dined while reclining and often had household slaves serving them.
#4: They fed Christians to lions.
Half true. Romans fed many people to lions—criminals, prisoners of war, and yes, Christians. But not just because they were Christian. It was about spectacle.
#5: Julius Caesar was the first emperor.
False. He was never an emperor, just a dictator. Augustus, his grandnephew, was the first official emperor.
#6: All Romans were white dudes.
False. Rome was an empire, not a city-state. Its citizens came from North Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and beyond.
The Ancient Roman Time Period
Before diving into what life was like in the Roman Empire, here’s a little context about what else was happening in this period:
- The Egyptian pyramids were already 2,500 years old.
- Greek philosophy had peaked and passed.
- Paganism was the dominant religion, with gods for wind, fire, grain, and just about everything.
- Romans borrowed many gods directly from the Greeks and renamed them (e.g., Zeus = Jupiter).
- Iron tools were common, but gunpowder wouldn’t reach Europe for another 1,300 years.
Layers of the Roman Empire
Roman society was a rigid hierarchy, but surprisingly fluid. Within those layers, there were… more layers. A slave could one day become a business owner, while an emperor might end up murdered by his own guards.
The Slave
The lowest rung in society, but not all slaves lived the same life.
- Enslavement often followed Roman conquest—entire towns were taken.
- Some ran households or businesses. Others helped run the government.
- The worst fate was working in the mines, which basically meant a death sentence.
- Gladiators were often enslaved men.
- Freedom was possible through skill, the death of a master, or formal manumission.
- Once freed, some slaves became wealthy and even influential.
The Plebeian – Commoner
The backbone of Roman society and the group emperors feared most.
- Plebeians were citizens: bakers, farmers, butchers, shoemakers, etc.
- They lived fast, crowded, and dirty lives—mostly on the Aventine Hill.
- This was the “bread and circuses” class—free food and entertainment kept them from revolting.
- Jobs stayed in the family. If your dad was a butcher, you were too.
- Keeping the plebs happy was essential to staying in power.
Patrician – Upper Class
Old money, old names, and major influence.
- Patricians were born into elite families and often served as senators.
- They wore togas, owned land, and held real power.
- Julius Caesar had the name, but not the riches—so he joined the military to climb.
- Military service was expected among young patrician men.
A Day in the Life of a Patrician, 2,000 Years Ago
- Wake up with the sun. A slave dresses you and serves breakfast.
- Greet your clients (people who depend on your patronage). Listen to their requests, buy their loyalty.
- Hit the bathhouse for wrestling, hot steam rooms, cold plunges, gossip, books, and lunch.
- Attend a theater show in the afternoon.
- Party all evening: feast, drink, socialize.
- Get helped home. Do it all again tomorrow.
Military – General
For many, the military was the only ticket out of poverty and the path to real power.
- Generals held the loyalty of their armies and could rival emperors in power.
- Julius Caesar conquered Gaul and returned a rich man.
- Generals were rewarded with land, which they’d often gift to their army.
- Vespasian, later an emperor, started as a general and earned public favor.
Emperors
Life at the top wasn’t always glamorous. Or long.
- Must be from the patrician class (at least early on).
- Augustus was the first emperor, ruling from 27 BCE to 14 CE
- The next six emperors were from his family. Most were unstable, except Augustus.
- Some came from humble origins—Septimius Severus (North African), Diocletian (Dalmatian peasant), Maximinus Thrax (barbarian background).
- Early emperors lived in peace and luxury. The later ones were often assassinated.
- Some ruled diligently. Others partied, schemed, and ignored governance.
- Commodus marked the beginning of Rome’s decline.
Top Tours to Learn about Ancient Rome
Want to go beyond the basics? A Tour Guy experience brings ancient Rome to life with expert guides and exclusive access. Here are three of our top-rated tours that take you deeper:
Colosseum Underground Tour with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
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Get special access to the Underground dungeons and Arena Floor on this guided tour.
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Half-Day Ostia Antica Small Group Tour from Rome
4 Hours | €€
In the company of an expert guide, discover the magnificent ruins of Rome’s ancient port city.
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Rome’s Appian Way Tour by E-Bike
4 Hours | €€
Pedal through Parco dell’Appia Antica alongside an expert guide and admire ancient Roman marvels.
Book Now!Final Thoughts
Ancient Rome wasn’t just emperors and marble statues—it was a city full of regular people trying to get through the day. From slaves working the mines to senators wining and dining at private banquets, the structure of Roman life still shapes our world. Want to dive deeper? These reads will help you explore Rome like a time-traveling local:
The Incredible History of Rome from Ancient Conquerors to La Dolce Vita
The 7 Most Accomplished Emperors of Ancient Rome
Who Were the Five Good Emperors and What Made Them so Great?
Top Hotels in Rome
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Piazza Navona • Terrace
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Timeless Luxury • Spanish Steps
Popular hotel for VIPs like Bruce Springsteen with a classic Italian style and a dreamy courtyard.
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