Meet the Romans: Citizens of the Empire Season 1 Episode 3 Behind Closed Doors

In Meet the Romans: Citizens of the Empire season 1 episode 3, titled "Behind Closed Doors," viewers are taken on a fascinating journey exploring the private lives of citizens in the Roman Empire. The episode delves into the hidden world of the Roman household, where important aspects of daily life, such as family relationships, intimate activities, and even cooking and cleaning practices, offer insights into the society's values and cultural norms.

Through interviews with leading historians and experts of the time period and an exploration of the archaeological remains of Roman households, viewers learn about the hierarchy within Roman households and the different roles of family members. The show examines how life was like for wealthy households, in which the owner of the household would take on the roles of judge, jury, and executioner, and how slave labour was used to manage the household, including the tasks of cooking, cleaning, and caring for children.

The episode also highlights how different aspects of Roman life were dependent on slaves and their labour. Examples include the preparation of delicacies such as sturgeon, which could only be obtained from the Black Sea and shipped via the Roman army, and the luxurious bathhouses, which were fueled by an enormous slave population. Additionally, the episode examines the ethically complex issue of Roman sexuality, discussing how lustful activities were regarded, and the various sexual practices that were accepted in Roman society.

Throughout the episode, the show also paints a vivid picture of how private life was deeply intertwined with communal politics. Hidden away in households of all classes were political symbols that would indicate the allegiance and opinions of the household members. Many wealthy households held regular dinner parties, where political talk would take place and the atmosphere could easily become fraught with tension. The show also explores the impact of social media of the time, such as inscriptions, graffiti, and pottery, which were used to express opinions, record important events, and leave messages for future generations.

By examining the minutiae of life in these Roman households, the show creates a rich and engaging introduction to an ancient world that can feel both foreign and familiar in equal measure. Viewers gain an understanding of the values and norms of Roman society, and how they acquired these cultural ideas. Overall, Meet the Romans: Citizens of the Empire season 1 episode 3 "Behind Closed Doors" is a fascinating and insightful exploration of the private lives of ancient Romans, providing new insights into an ancient world that is often misunderstood or misinterpreted.