Roman aristocrats lived in luxury, often having country villas and city homes, and they were known for their extravagant lifestyles, including hosting lavish parties and engaging in various forms of entertainment.

Roman aristocrats, who were major landowners, lived off the rents and produce from their land, relying on peasants and slaves for labor, which allowed them to avoid traditional occupations.

Firefighting in ancient Rome was often managed by private companies that would demand payment to extinguish fires, resembling a mafia-like system.

Crassus, a wealthy Roman, used his fire brigade to extort money from property owners by threatening to let their homes burn unless they paid him.

The wealthy Romans had the leisure time to engage in literacy and statecraft, believing this made them the best suited to lead the Republic, despite their reluctance to educate the lower classes.

The rise of major urban centers in Rome led to a society where people often bounced around from patron to patron to make a living.

The Romans had a sophisticated system of aqueducts and public latrines, but waste management often involved chamber pots that were emptied out of windows, contributing to unsanitary conditions.

Rome frequently experienced devastating fires due to its wooden structures and lack of fire codes, leading to significant portions of the city burning periodically.

In early Roman society, only property owners could serve in the legions, reflecting the belief that those who fought for Rome should have a vested interest in its defense.