Examine the multiculturalism that defined Imperial Rome, a city of nearly a million people drawn from across the Roman Empire. Much like the melting pot of modern New York, ancient Rome was home to a vast array of cultures, with immigrants bringing their own customs, languages, and gods to the capital. Rome's reputation for embracing outsiders can be traced back to its foundation myth, where Romulus created a safe haven for anyone who sought refuge, from shepherds to runaway slaves.
The city’s neighborhoods reflected its diversity, with enclaves like Little Italys and Chinatowns emerging as people from around the empire settled and integrated into Roman society. Many inhabitants of Rome were enslaved, but through the system of manumission, many became liberti (freed people) who could participate in civic life and gain Roman citizenship. Another group, the peregrini, foreign workers who never became citizens, added to the complexity of Roman society.
This program is made possible by viewers like you. Support your local PBS station: www.pbs.org/donate
Subscribe to the PBS channel for more clips: youtube.com/PBS/
Enjoy full episodes of your favorite PBS shows anytime, anywhere with the free PBS App: to.pbs.org/2QbtzhR
FOLLOW US:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PBS/
X: twitter.com/PBS/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/PBS/
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@pbs
Threads: www.threads.net/@pbs
#ancientrome #ancienthistory #rome #ancientcivilizations
Life in Ancient Times with Darius Arya
Embark on an unforgettable voyage across the ancient world with archaeologist @DariusArya, to unearth the secrets of civilizations past, delving into the daily rituals, extraordinary achievements, and cultural legacies that shaped our world as we know it today.
PBS