clear, lively translations of a fascinating array of documents--from personal letters, farming manuals, medical texts, and recipes, to poetry, graffiti, and tombstone inscriptions. Each selection is newly translated into readable, contemporary English and fully annotated to give necessary historical and cultural background. In addition, the book includes abundant biographical notes, maps, appendices, and cross-references to related topics, as well as an extensive bibliography, providing students with substantial background material to broaden their understanding of the selections. Arranged thematically into chapters on family life, housing, education, entertainment, religion, and other important topics, the translations reveal the ambitions and aspirations not only of the upper class, but of the average Roman citizen as well; they tell not only of the success and failure of Rome's grandiose imperialist policies, but also of the pleasures and the hardships of everyday life.

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