Classical Civilisations trip delves into the lives of ancient Romans

During the Classical Civilisations trip to Clifton High School, we dove into the lives of the ancient Romans and their unique history.

We started the lecture in the Suburra Valley: Rome’s slums. It was described to us how the citizens of Ancient Rome would go about their daily lives in the crowded Suburra including loud noises and foul smells. The Suburra was lined with narrow roads that were not pathed making it hard for those living there to move around safely; large wagons passed carrying all kinds of objects. Living in the Suburra was never safe as many people threw their urine and other fluids out of their windows.

The most interesting part of the lecture was learning about Rome’s public sacrifices in temples and little snippets into how they worshipped the gods. Did you know that the temple of Vesta, for example, houses the hearth fire of Rome and that the palladium contains a huge statue of Athena (goddess of wisdom and war)? We also learnt about the baths of Caracalla and how they symbolised unity for all those in Rome. It was fascinating!

By Mia, Aisha and Hamda