By the first century, however, the need for capable men to run Rome’s vast empire was slowly eroding the old social barriers. The social structure of ancient Rome was based on heredity ...

Even for Rome, it's striking and strange. That's why Rick Steves put it on his list, Offbeat Europe, writing, "You don't need ...

An integral part of daily life in ancient Rome, the baths gave citizens of ... and make their way to the baths. Men of all social classes mixed freely together. Old, young, rich and poor would ...