Crime and Punishment in Ancient Rome | History for Year 6 PDF Download

Life Under Roman Rule 

• The Roman Empire existed from approximately 700 BC to 476 AD.
• At its peak, under Emperor Trajan in 117 AD, Rome governed over 45 million people across regions in Europe, North Africa, and Asia.
• The Roman army was the most formidable globally. As it conquered new territories, the city of Rome transformed from a small town into a vast capital.
• With a population exceeding one million, Rome was a filthy and perilous environment, characterized by winding alleyways and slums.
• Many crimes similar to those today, such as murder and theft, were prevalent.
• The Roman Empire had numerous slaves as well as free citizens, who were treated differently under the law.
• The Roman legal and punishment systems influenced many laws still practiced today.
• Wearing the color purple was illegal unless one was extremely wealthy!

Was There a Roman Police Force? 

• During Roman times, there was no formal police force, but a group known as the Vigiles existed.
• Approximately 7,000 Vigiles managed crimes like theft and pursued runaway enslaved people. They also served as a fire-fighting unit.
• If the Vigiles were unable to handle larger disturbances, such as riots, they would summon the Roman guards for assistance.
• In cases where the Emperor's safety was threatened, the Praetorian Guard, tasked with his protection, would intervene.
• The Roman deity of Justice was called Justitia, depicted holding the scales of justice.

 How did the Romans punish people?

• The Roman authorities designed punishments to serve as deterrents against potential offenders.
• The nature of the punishment often depended on the individual’s social standing and position within Roman society.
• Common punishments included whipping and fines.
• Prisoners might have wooden shoes placed on their feet, making escape challenging.
• An enslaved person could be forced to wear a wooden sign around their neck, detailing their crime.
• Severe crimes could lead to execution methods such as crucifixion, being thrown from a cliff, drowning, or even being buried alive. Crucifixion was typically reserved for serious offenses, such as revolts against the empire.
• Over time, Roman punishments became increasingly brutal.