Daily Life in Rome 

     Clodia Minor woke up early to the bright glare of the sun. She had been looking forward to the Festival of Bacchus for weeks and it had finally arrived. As she was getting ready, she began to anticipate all the people she would finally get to see at the Forum. Regardless of who she encountered, Clodia knew she would have to take advantage of this day as it was the only time Roman citizens would gather together to toast for each other's health, without social status being an obstacle.

     Making her way to the Forum, Clodia could feel the excitement in the air, and quickened her pace. People jostled around her full of energy, as they made their way past the marketplace towards the Forum. For a moment, Clodia stood still and gathered her thoughts. Celebrations always made her so vibrantly alive and happy.

     When she arrived, she noticed most of the front seats were taken by the elite families of Rome, so she made her way to the last aisle, hoping that she would still be able to watch the entire performance. As the performance started, one actor played all the parts by means of gestures and movements, soon drawing the attention of the crowd. At times, the audience would cheer and clap loudly, while others would flap their togas or wave their handkerchiefs in the air. When the actor would take the female role in the play, many laughed while others responded in a rather rude manner. As the play continued, many of the audience seemed disinterested and soon initiated conversations with the people sitting next to them. The play soon ended followed by a final clap by the audience. 

     At last, cups of wine were passed out by Aulus Julius Gracchus on behalf of Bacchus and we all united in a toast for next year's grape harvest.