Nightlife in Ancient Rome

Summary by Krater

An exploration of Roman nightlife, contrasting the humble tavern experience of ordinary citizens with the extravagant feasts and debauchery of the elite.

From the video

Answers: What was nightlife like in ancient Rome?

• Roman taverns and thermopolia
• Elite Roman banquets and dining
• Ancient Roman gambling and dice games
• Street life and nightlife in ancient Rome

What it concludes

• For most Romans, nightlife began at dawn and ended at dusk due to the lack of artificial street lighting.
• Taverns served as cheap food and wine spots, but also as centers for gambling, drinking, and fighting among commoners.
• Elite Romans partied extravagantly at home or in suburban villas with elaborate multi-course meals, entertainment, and excessive drinking.
• Wealthy Romans often roamed the streets at night in disguises, sometimes resulting in brawls and altercations in rough neighborhoods.