Part VIII –  ‘To ensure that the grain kept flowing in‘

Welcome back. In previous weeks we’ve explored some of the ‘superstars’ of Rome – including the Forum and the Pantheon – but what about the lesser-known buildings? How did the city support its million or so inhabitants? Where did they all live? How were they all fed?

In this video I discuss everyday life in Rome and introduce the different types of housing that sprawled across the slopes of Rome’s hills, and down into the depths of the city’s valleys. I’ll also return to the University of Reading to meet with my colleague, Professor Annalisa Marzano, to discuss the types of food which may have been prepared, cooked, and consumed by the people who populated these thriving neighbourhoods.

Whilst you watch the video, you may like to think about the following questions and discuss your throughts in the comment area:

• Were you surprised at any of the staples Professor Annalisa Marzano lists within the Roman diet?

• Why did Rome develop high-rise apartment blocks?

Later this week, I’ll provide some recipes for you to recreate your own Roman dishes to try at home; don’t worry – there’s no flamingo involved!

Course facilitation

A reminder that you’ll see comments from myself and Bunny and we’ll aim to answer your queries in the course discussion between 12 Oct to 13 Nov, but we can’t respond to everyone. To view our comments, you can can follow our profiles.

Don’t forget you can view or download the course supplement and A-Z glossary as you go through the week.