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Watch: Punishing crimes in Ancient Rome

Watch this video to find out how crime was punished in Ancient Rome.

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How the Romans kept control

  • At its height, under Emperor Trajan in 117AD, Rome ruled more than 45 million people in countries across Europe, North Africa and Asia.
  • Its army was the most powerful in the world. As it conquered more countries, the city of Rome grew from a town into an enormous capital.
The Roman Empire - street scene with vendors.
Image caption,
A painting of shops in a Roman street.
  • With over one million people living there, Rome was a dirty and dangerous place, with a maze of side-streets and slums.

  • There were many of the same crimes as today, such as murder and theft.

Did you know?

Three question marks
  • The Roman system of law and punishment is the basis of many laws that we still use today.

  • Wearing purple was against the law unless you were super rich!

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Did the Romans have police?

Statue of Justitia holding the Scales of Justice.
Image caption,
Statue of Justitia holding the Scales of Justice.
  • There was no police force in Roman times but they did have a group called the Vigiles.

  • There were about 7000 Vigiles, who dealt with criminals.

  • If the Vigiles couldn't deal with some crimes, they would call in Roman guards to help.

  • The Praetorian Guard, were a special force who protected the Emperor.

  • The Roman God of Justice was called Justitia.

Statue of Justitia holding the Scales of Justice.
Image caption,
Statue of Justitia holding the Scales of Justice.
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How did the Romans punish people?

  • How you were punished depended on who you were in Roman society.
  • Whipping and fines were the most common punishments.
  • Wooden shoes were sometimes put on the feet of prisoners, so they could not run away.
  • An enslaved person could be forced to carry a piece of wood around their neck.
  • For very serious crimes you could be killed by crucifixion, thrown from a cliff, into a river or even buried alive.
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Activities

Activity 1: Roman crime quiz

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