the afternoon, wealthy Romans took some time
to rest at home, or to relax with friends.
The poor worked constantly.
was usually a cold meal, eaten about 11 o'clock in the morning.
Lunch was bread, salad, olives, cheese, fruit, nuts, and cold meat
left over from dinner the night before.
lunch, the ancient Romans enjoyed a midday rest or siesta. In
summer, nearly everybody took a nap. In ancient Rome, the streets
were as nearly deserted during the midday rest period as they were
at midnight. Even kids got a 2-3 hour break from school during the
midday rest. (After siesta, kids returned to school to finish their