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In the first century AD, the Roman
Empire was at the peak of its power:
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Rome was a popular place for many
who dreamed of a better life.
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But for most people, daily life
in the capital was not very bright.
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About one million people
populated the city
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in a field of thirteen square kilometers.
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Due to its hilly location,
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Rome could only grow in height.
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The wealthy lived in single storey
townhouses called a Domus.
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In the valleys and on the slopes
were the insulae,
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often poorly built rental houses.
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Each insula had a similar structure.
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The so-called tavernas, the shops,
were located on the ground floor.
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The floor above was a mezzanine,
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probably used for storage or sleeping.
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Above that were the rental rooms,
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usually on two to four floors.
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The higher the rooms were,
the poorer and smaller they became.
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Workers' families usually
lived in the attics.
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These could only be reached
via wooden ladders.
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If the rent was not paid,
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the landlords simply removed the ladder.
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The tenant was thus locked out.
