The Private Life of the Romans (eBook)

Harold Whetstone Johnston's 'The Private Life of the Romans' is a finely woven tapestry that illuminates the fibrous intricacies of daily Roman life during the transformative period of the later Roman Republic and the ascendant Roman Empire. Johnston's prose transports readers to the heart of Roman domesticity, away from the grandeur of political machinations and military conquests, offering a rare glimpse into the personal and social customs that undergirded ancient Rome's influential civilization. Meticulously researched and thoughtfully presented, this work serves as a vital compendium, breaking down the monolithic historical figures into relatable personas by exploring their private lives and domestic rituals, thereby enriching the reader's understanding of the era's cultural and societal norms.

As a classical historian and esteemed Professor of Latin, Johnston was uniquely poised to embark on such an endeavor, drawing from a robust academic background and profound scholarship. His passion for the classical world and dedication to pedagogy are deeply infused in the pages of this seminal work. The insights Johnston provides are not simply derivative recountings; they are borne of a lifetime's engagement with primary sources, archaeological findings, and the then-contemporary scholarship that paints a vivid picture of quotidian Roman life.

'The Private Life of the Romans' is highly recommended for both the lay enthusiast and the erudite scholar. Johnston's adept scholarship makes the ancient world accessible, engaging, and, most importantly, human. Readers interested in a holistic view of Roman history, beyond the typical narratives of conquest and empire, will find this book invaluable. It is an essential addition to the libraries of those who seek to understand the Roman Empire through the lens of the everyday lives of its inhabitants.