Even during ancient times, there were ladies of the night. They wore specific colors to stand out from the rest of the female population and a higher class prostitute was called a courtesan. In this article, you will learn more about this profession, as well as details regarding the way doctors and surgeons were treated during ancient Roman times.
Romans faced banishment from their country (even without a trial) if they underwent a Senate resolution or if the magistrate ordered it.
Prostitutes existed during ancient Roman days and were usually slaves. Greek women were often selected as prostitutes and Syrians were favored for their ability to dance. Prostitutes were identified by the bright colors they wore in their outfits, which other women of their time did not wear. One class above a prostitute was a courtesan. These women lived with their mothers or with a procurer, which was called a lena. The woman could usually sing or play a musical instrument. If they had received any schooling, they would sit with a companion and engage in intelligent conversation.
Freedmen who worked with slaves got along well with one another and did not experience much friction.
Interestingly, some doctors and surgeons of ancient Roman times were slaves, but were more than often foreigners (such as Greeks) or freedmen.
If you were a doctor or surgeon during ancient Roman times, you did not have to pay any taxes. Another perk that practicing doctors received was Roman citizenship, which Julius Caesar granted in 46 BCE.
By 100 BCE, there were professional booksellers in Rome.
By the time 33 BC rolled around, there were 170 public baths scattered about Rome.
In ancient Roman times, the people did not have an established postal service. Instead, Romans with money had special slaves that delivered letters to family and friends. Another method of sending a message to loved ones was to find a trader or traveler who was going in the desired direction. It was quite expensive to send letters by using a special messenger who traveled long distances that using the alternative was a preferred choice.
There is evidence to suggest that becoming a barber was an option for people looking for a profession in 300 BC.
The background music that was heard during ancient Roman performances was provided by flute players.
When the summer months arrived in Rome, it was common for people to take siestas (or naps) after they finished their lunch.