Ancient Rome was one of the most influential civilizations in history, shaping politics, law, engineering, and culture for centuries. However, much of what we know about Rome comes from the writings of elite historians, senators, and emperors, leaving the voices of ordinary Romans—soldiers, merchants, slaves, and women—largely unheard. In recent years, scholars and archaeologists have made significant efforts to "revive the voices of the Romans" by uncovering and interpreting new sources of historical evidence.

Who Were the Voices of Rome?

When we think of Ancient Rome, famous figures like Julius Caesar, Cicero, and Augustus often come to mind. These were powerful men whose writings and political actions shaped historical narratives. However, Rome was a vast and diverse empire, home to millions of people from different social classes, regions, and backgrounds.

• The Common Citizens (Plebeians) – Farmers, artisans, and shopkeepers who made up the majority of the population. Their voices are rarely recorded in elite literature, but their graffiti, letters, and tomb inscriptions reveal their thoughts and daily struggles.
• Slaves and Freedmen – Enslaved people had no legal voice, but some, like the philosopher Epictetus, gained prominence after being freed. The stories of former slaves provide insight into the harsh realities of Roman society.
• Women – Roman women were largely excluded from politics, but their presence in inscriptions, private letters, and even business records shows their role in shaping Roman society.
• Soldiers and Gladiators – The Roman military was the backbone of the empire. The letters of Roman soldiers, especially those found in Britain and Egypt, give us a glimpse into their lives, hopes, and fears. Gladiators, often slaves or prisoners of war, also left their mark through graffiti and memorial inscriptions. shutdown123