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Residents In Ancient Rome Living Location Statistics

Residents in ancient Rome predominantly lived in populous urban areas, with only a small percentage residing in rural regions.

Last Updated: June 22, 2024

Written & Summarized by: Jannik Lindner

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In this post, we explore the living locations of residents in ancient Rome, shedding light on the diverse social classes and housing arrangements within the city and its outskirts. From the bustling city center to the rural countryside villas, we delve into the varying lifestyles and environments that shaped the ancient Roman society.

Statistic 1

"During its peak, the city of Rome had an estimated population of over one million residents."

Statistic 2

"Rural areas in Ancient Rome were typically inhabited by the lower class, peasants, and slaves."

Statistic 3

"Nobles of ancient Rome typically lived on the hills surrounding the city center."

Statistic 4

"The majority of Romans in ancient society lived in apartment buildings, known as insulae."

Statistic 5

"The poorest of people in ancient Rome lived in barracks-style housing called insulae that could reach up to six stories high."

Statistic 6

"The wealthier classes of ancient Rome lived in domus, private homes which stood in stark contrast to the cramped insulae of the poor."

Statistic 7

"Apartments in ancient Rome's insulae were often prone to collapse and natural disaster."

Statistic 8

"Public baths were common in ancient Rome and served not only a hygienic purpose, but also as social meeting points."

Statistic 9

"Despite the high population living in the city center, only 5-10% of the empire's population lived in Rome during its peak."

Statistic 10

"Roughly 200,000 people lived in the Subura district of ancient Rome, known for its crowded and multi-story apartment buildings."

Statistic 11

"Ancient Rome covered an area of 285 square km, providing vast living locations for various social classes."

Statistic 12

"Villas, or countryside homes, were a typical living location for the wealthy Romans who wished to escape the hustle and bustle of the city."

Statistic 13

"Roman tenement buildings, or insulae, housed up to 80% of the city's population."

Statistic 14

"In rural Rome, residents usually lived in villas that were self-sufficient farming units."

Statistic 15

"In the mid-fifth century BC, the structure of Rome was largely agrarian with less than three persons per hectare."

Statistic 16

"Roma Vecchia was known as the favorite residential area of the ancient Roman patricians."

Statistic 17

"The ancient Roman poor classes commonly lived in small, dark rooms clustered around a central courtyard."

Statistic 18

"The Trastevere, located west of the Tiber River, was among the oldest neighborhoods in Rome, housing merchants and migrant workers."

Statistic 19

"Rome's ancient countryside, known as "Rustica," covered about 20,000 square kilometers and was inhabited by farming communities."

In conclusion, the statistics presented paint a comprehensive picture of the diverse living locations and social dynamics of ancient Rome. The population distribution between the city center and rural areas, the contrasting living conditions of the wealthy and the poor, the prevalence of insulae and domus, the presence of amenities like public baths, and the size and characteristics of different neighborhoods all reveal the complexities of Roman society. Despite the challenges faced by many residents in terms of housing quality and overcrowding, the variety of living options available showcases the intricate social stratification and urban planning of ancient Rome.