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11 Interesting Jobs & Roles in Ancient Rome [Updated]

The Roman Empire dominated the Mediterranean area and beyond from 27 BC to 476 AD. The expansion of the Empire depended largely on the powerful Roman military.

Closer to home, everyday Roman citizens work in a variety of industries. Many of these are similar to careers that still exist today.

Roman people lived in a society with obvious differences in class and rank. The lowest people in society were slaves, while senators and the emperor enjoyed great degrees of power and influence.

roman jobs introduction — As an advanced civilization, the Roman society included many types of careers and roles. by Albert Kretschmer, painters and costumer to the Royal Court Theatre, Berlin, and Dr. Carl Rohrbach., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Major job categories included farming, trades, construction, religion, entertainment, art, military, administration, and politics.

The following are some of the most common, important, and interesting jobs within the Roman Empire. Many of these occupations are foreign to us, while others are familiar.

1) Slave

slavery ancient Rome — Slavery was an unfortunate reality in Ancient Rome. Ashmolean Museum, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Slavery was an unfortunate reality of Roman society. In ancient times, slavery was a common practice done by societies large and small.

The Roman Empire acquired slaves in several ways. Individuals could be born into slavery or captured in war and brought to Rome for forced labor. Other slaves were self-sold or enslaved for debts. Some parents even sold their own children into slavery for various reasons.

Records from the Roman Empire indicate that slaves made up anywhere from 10-20% of the population. This would have included 5 to 10 million people.

Slaves worked in a variety of industries. Depending on their owners and specific tasks, slaves either experienced a degree of autonomy or strict supervision.

The worst jobs for slaves were those found in mines and quarries. Jobs with better working conditions included serving in households and urban settings.

Some elite households employed hundreds or even thousands of slaves. These workers had highly specialized tasks within the household.

Urban slaves in trades had similar autonomy. They were trained to be craftsmen, agents, managers, and salesmen.

2) Farmer

Farming is an essential occupation in all societies, and the Roman Empire was no different. The vast empire relied on skilled farmers to provide agricultural products for a growing population.

Roman farmers planted, sowed, reaped, and harvested various foods. Wheat, grapes, and olives thrived in the Mediterranean climate of Rome and surrounding areas.

The operation of granaries and mills also falls into the agricultural category of Roman occupations.

3) Urban Tradesperson

urban Rome — A range of jobs existed in Ancient Roman cities. See page for author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Urban trades is a broad category of ancient Roman jobs. The city of Rome and other major centers across the Roman Empire were home to millions of tradespeople.

Urban jobs included blacksmithing, toolmaking, hairdressing, storekeeping, and prostitution. Bakers, butchers, cobblers, fishmongers and salespeople could be found on most streets.

4) Gladiator

Gladiators are some of the most popular figures of the Roman Empire. Many myths surround the occupation, but in reality gladiators were just one type of entertainer in the Empire.

Most gladiators were slaves who were trained in one on one combat in strict schools. Raising a gladiator was expensive and time consuming, so most gladiators survived their fights rather than being killed.

Fights between gladiators took place in large stadiums like the Colosseum and were organized by referees.

5) Charioteer

Charioteers were celebrities in the Roman Empire. Much like sports today, fans cheered for their favorite individual athletes and teams.

Chariot racing was a major industry that included four professional stables: Blue, Green, Red, and White. Charioteers raced for one of these stables and wore the corresponding color.

Charioteers learned the sport from a young age. Many were slave boys. Racers competed in two major levels. Auriga racers were less experienced, younger, and only managed a team of two horses. Agitator racers were high ranking professionals who raced with four to ten horses.

charioteer of Ancient Rome — Charioteers wore colors affiliated with their specific stable. Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

While charioteers raced in front of large crowds, several other types of professionals worked behind the scenes in the chariot racing industry.

Blacksmiths, doctors, and stable managers all worked together to get teams ready for race day.

6) Engineer & Architect

roman architecture — Architects and engineers were vital in the construction of the most famous Roman structures. MCMX1, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Architecture is one of the defining features of the Roman Empire. Ancient buildings still standing today are some of the most-visited tourist destinations in Europe.

Engineers and architects were essential for the creation of impressive infrastructure and buildings in the Roman Empire. These professionals took charge of designing and constructing aqueducts, temples, houses, villas, and other structures.

7) Priest

Roman priests conducted worship ceremonies and sacrifices, made predictions, and completed other tasks within the temple. Hercule Louis Catenacci, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Religion was a key facet of Roman society and culture. The Roman Empire’s priests conducted religious ceremonies and animal sacrifices.

Some priests were trained in divination and predictions, while others dedicated themselves to the worship of a specific god or goddess.

8) Artist

Roman art is some of the most famous and respected in world history. The Roman Empire’s art style has been copied throughout the centuries and resides in museums around the world.

As famous as Roman art is, few historical sources exist on the artists of the Roman Empire. A largely anonymous group, Roman artists worked with a range of mediums.

roman artistry — Roman artists are largely anonymous to us, as few records of their lives exist. Shakko, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Sculpture, fresco, mosaic, painting, and terracotta are just some of the art styles of ancient Rome.

9) Soldier & General

Roman soldiers expanded the Empire, built roads, and maintained infrastructure in provincial areas. Aniello Falcone, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Roman Empire relied on a strong military to conquer new lands and maintain its power. Soldiers and generals fought on the boundaries of the Empire.

The Roman army was organized into a complex system of infantry, cavalry, and leaders. While soldiers obviously went to war, they were also responsible for building and maintaining roads and forts.

10) Publican (Tax Collector)

The expansion of the Roman Empire required money from conquered lands. Provincial areas of the Empire paid taxes to publicans, or tax collectors.

These individuals had other administrative roles within the government, such as public contractors for building projects. However, by the 1st century AD, most local people viewed publicans as chiefly tax collectors.

11) Senator & Politician

Senators enjoyed powerful positions within the Roman Empire. Around 600 senators served in the Chief Council of Rome and were situated directly under the emperor in terms of status and influence.

Other political roles included governors and magistrates. These individuals served in smaller territories.

11 Interesting & Important Jobs in Ancient Rome [Facts & Pics]