The Common People of Ancient Rome Studies of Roman Life and Literature

"The Common People of Ancient Rome" by Frank Frost Abbott is a historical exploration concentrating on the everyday existence, communication, artistic expression, and societal circumstances of ordinary Roman inhabitants who were crucial to the Roman Empire's advancement. Abbot tries to connect ancient Roman civilization to current issues, exploring societal structures and the long-lasting effects of communication. The book starts by describing the Latin language's significant role and how it expanded among the general population as the Roman Empire grew. It examines how military victories, commerce, and settlement made Latin the common tongue across various areas. Abbot emphasizes the vibrant diversity of languages found in Italy and its regions and highlights the importance of societal norms and public policy in promoting the use of Latin, thereby creating a link between societal issues and historical linguistic changes through the experiences of the people.