The seven original hills were covered with palaces and
temples, while the valleys were centres of a great population, in which
were the forums, the suburra, the quarter of the shops, the circus, and
the velabrum. The Palatine, especially, was occupied by the higher
nobility. Here were the famous mansions of Drusus, of Crassus, of Cicero,
of Clodius, of Scaurus, and of Augustus, together with the temples of
Cybele, of Juno Sospita, of Luna, of Febris, of Fortune, of Mars, and
Vesta. On the Capitoline were the Arx, or citadel, and the temple of
Jupiter. On the Pincian Hill were villas and gardens, including those of
Lucullus and Sallust. Every available inch of ground in the suburra and
velabrum was filled with dwellings, rising to great altitudes, even to the
level of the Capitoline summit. The temples were all constructed after the
Grecian models. The houses of the great were of immense size. The suburbs
were of extraordinary extent. The population exceeded that of all modern
cities, although it has been, perhaps, exaggerated. It was computed by
Lipsius to reach the enormous number of four millions. Nothing could be
more crowded than the streets, whose incessant din was intolerable to
those who sought repose. And they were filled with idlers, as well as
trades-people, and artisans and slaves. All classes sought the excitement
of the theater and circus--all repaired to the public baths. The
amphitheatres collected, also, unnumbered thousands within their walls to
witness the combats of beasts with man, and man with man. The gladiatorial
sports were the most exciting exhibitions ever known in ancient or modern
times, and were the most striking features of Roman society. The baths,
too, resounded with shouts and laughter, with the music of singers and of
instruments, and even by the recitations of poets and lecturers. The
luxurious Roman rose with the light of day, and received, at his levee, a
crowd of clients and retainers. He then repaired to the forum, or was
carried through the crowds on a litter. Here he presided as a judge, or
appeared as a witness or advocate, or transacted his business affairs. At
twelve, the work of the day ceased, and he retired for his midday siesta.
When this had ended, he recreated himself with the sports of the Field of
Mars, and then repaired to the baths, after which was the supper, or
principal meal, in which he indulged in the coarsest luxuries, valued more
for the cost than the elegance.