Philip Matyszak has form, as far as I’m concerned! He has written a number of books about the ancient world, all of which have been engaging, informative and lively. Travel guides for the traveller in ancient Greece and Rome, unofficial manuals for gladiators and legionaries, as well as more formal works. This book continues the lighter side of his output, but is none the less interesting.
The concept is simple. The book is split into 24 chapters: one for each hour of the day. For each hour, the author picks an inhabitant of Rome and relates their activity at that time. From a slave getting breakfast, to a stonemason, from a night-watchman to a gladiator, the choice of characters is wide and well-picked to illustrate daily life in the largest city on earth at the time (and for many centuries to follow).
Set in the year 137 CE, the book successfully leads you through the streets and buildings of Rome, eavesdropping on 24 people as they get on with their lives. They are largely fictional characters, but built up from a range of sources, often modelled on real individuals. We hear their stories, but are also presented with the facts and figures behind these lives.
A straightforward book therefore, but one which imparts a lot of information in an interesting and logical way. It is easy to read, and fun. The characters draw you in; you want to hear their story, and you hardly realise how much you are picking up along the way.
If you already have a lot of knowledge about Roman society, there may not be a lot new here, but if you are looking for a first impression of what life in Rome was like, then this would be a good place to start. (Along with the author’s own Ancient Rome on Five Denarii a Day!)
This is a review of the Michael O’Mara Books 2017 Kindle edition.