As the Romans Did

 
As the Romans Did
Introduction
Shelton’s 2nd edition book represents a collection of 473 translations of selections from
papyri, texts and inscriptions, relating to fifteen broad aspects of Roman life and society. The
chapters featured in the book center on the Roman society: marriage; families; housing and city
life; education; domestic and personal concerns; slaves; occupations; government and politics;
freedmen and freedwomen; the provinces; Roman army; leisure and entertainment; women in
Roman society; philosophy and religion. Each chapter in the book comprises general
commentary and translations, set in the introduction, and expository, which are brief and written
in clear prose. The book also features five charts: elaboration of “Roman money;” a glossary of
sources; an up-to-date bibliography; genealogy charts; plans of buildings and; schedule of crucial
dates and events.
Discussion
Shelton’s book features an account of Roman life, by an English-speaking investigator.
Each section, in the book, represents an interpretation of ancient Roman documents that have
been translated, and fully annotated, to give essential insights into the historical and cultural
background of Romans. Furthermore, the book features comprehensive background material to
widen and enhance understanding of the sections. The contents of the book are arranged,
thematically, into chapters, which elucidate the ambitions and desires of, both the affluent and
Surname 2
average, Roman citizens. The revised book on Roman social history remains a popular source
book since it offers a rich, refreshing look at everyday Roman life and represents a concise,
lively translation of a mesmerizing collection of documents, derived from Latin and Greek
source material, based on personal letters, medical texts, farming manuals, graffiti, recipes for
poetry and tombstone inscriptions. The new edition features over 50 additional selections, which
serve to introduce fresh topics and broaden coverage of the existing topics, with commentary that
mirrors topical scholarship on cultural and social life of ancient Romans. The new edition
presents a logical account of Roman life, in all its diversity, ranging from the successes and
failures of Rome’s ostentatious imperialist policies, to the adversities and pleasures of everyday
life.
Shelton’s book contains information on the character of ancient Rome, which is essential
for teaching the historical method, as well as the significance of the documentary source
approach. The first chapter of the book explores the structure of Roman society: class structure;
putting together a broad range of writings to document the overall organization of the Roman
society, from the aristocracy to the other class divisions; patronage and its challenges. The
second chapter, on the other hand, features families and brings the Romans nearer to modernity,
sharing relationships and emotions, which qualify the subtitle “As the Roman Did.” The third
chapter of the book explores marriage and its expectations, and brings the ancient Romans even
closer to modern times, encompassing topics such as birth control, family, welfare assistance and
rearing children. The fourth chapter centers on housing and city, while the fifth chapter features
domestic and personal concerns giving the readers reprieve from the human interest aspect.
Overall, the book’s chapters provide a general view, especially, on the cultural and
organizational contributions of ancient Rome to modernity. 
Surname 3
The book provides a detailed overview of the Romans’ lifestyle, their noteworthy
achievements and contributions. The book provides a refreshing account of Rome, by
highlighting the facts and events that depict the real character of the Roman people, the
progressive development of Rome as a world power, and elucidates on the impact that Rome has
had on modern civilization. The history of Rome can be considered, in numerous respects, the
tale of a great epic. The Roman Empire can be regarded as one of the most enduring empires of
the past, which can offer historical lessons and inspiration. The book may enable to understand
the profound and the highly noticeable influence of the Romans, on the cultural and political
history of Europe and the rest of the world.
 The book provides an intellectual context and illuminates concepts derived from the
Roman perspective. Although, the ancient world may appear remote and divorced from the
present, insights from ancient history can help us to make sense of the world, as it exists today.
Roman social history is worthy of attention owing to the fact that Rome was one of the biggest
powers of the ancient world and exercised significant influence on all modern nations. Shelton’s
book has a concise structure, features excellent introductions and cross referencing, all of which
render the book informative and accessible. The quotes, tidbits and conversations, provide
i