Lalupa, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Introduction
Subura, also sometimes spelt as Suburra, was a suburb of the ancient city of Rome that was known for its bustling activity and reputation for being a hub of gambling, vice and crime. A mix of working-class housing and commercial buildings, it was home to taverns, brothels, bathhouses and shops, thereby making it a popular destination for the city's lower classes and slaves.
Despite its notorious reputation, Suburra played an important role in the social and economic life of ancient Rome, and provides a fascinating insight into the daily life of Rome’s less-famous people and residents.
Geography and Layout
Subura was located in the valley and up the slopes of the Viminal and Esquiline hills; just north of the Colosseum. In fact, the edge of the Subura neighborhood came right up the area of the magnificent Roman Forum (Forum Romanum).
As fire was a constant risk in such densely-packed areas, a large stone wall was built to protect the great structures from damage should a fire break out. Not only this, but the wall also blocked out the sight of this poor region of the city so that it wouldn’t spoil the visual appearance of the grand and impressive Forum!
Housing and Demographics
Subura was primarily a working-class neighborhood, and its residents primarily included laborers, merchants, and small-business owners. Housing in Subura was typically cramped and crowded, with multiple families often sharing a single dwelling.
The buildings themselves were made of brick and stone and were several stories tall. Known as insulae, the upper floors were used for living quarters, while the ground floors were used for shops and businesses (tabernae).
Culture and Society
Unsurprisingly, Subura was a busy and lively place, and its residents were known for their entrepreneurial spirit and hardworking nature. Although it had a reputation for vice and crime, the neighborhood was also a center for social and cultural activity. Taverns and brothels were popular gathering places for the city's lower classes, and the area was known for its lively music, entertainment and bathhouses.
Unfortunately, the names of specific bathhouses in the Subura neighborhood of ancient Rome are not recorded in surviving historical sources. However, the remains of several bathhouses have been discovered in the area and have been excavated by archaeologists. These remains have provided valuable insights into the architecture, construction techniques, and social function of these important public spaces in ancient Rome.
The presence of bathhouses in Subura, as well as in other parts of ancient Rome, highlights the significance of these facilities in the daily life and culture of the Roman people.
The area was also home to numerous religious establishments, including shrines dedicated to various gods and goddesses. Subura was a melting pot of cultures and was home to people from all walks of life and different nationalities, and it is believed that there was a Jewish synagogue located somewhere in the Subura.
Law and Order
Subura was still subject to the same laws and regulations as the rest of the city of Rome.
The neighborhood was policed by the vigiles, a special force of urban firefighters and night watchmen who were responsible for maintaining order and preventing crime, as well as tackling fires. In addition to the vigiles, the area was also subject to the jurisdiction of aediles who, along with others, were responsible for enforcing the laws and maintaining order in the city of Rome itself.
Quite how much crime prevention and imposition of law and order in the region is a matter of debate. As with most poor regions of cities in both ancient times and, in some parts of the world, right up to the present day, these areas have a tendency to be overlooked, or at least not made a priority, by those in charge the city.
The focus is usually more about preventing and tackling crime in the more affluent areas of the city and committed against the wealthier citizens; with those living in the poorer areas left to somewhat fend for themselves, often to the point where these regions become lawless zones controlled by gangs.
While Subura may not have descended quite to those depths, it was certainly not a place where the rich and wealthy would want to go, especially at night. They did send their slaves, however, to acquire the products and food items that were on sale in the market of Subura.
Famous Residents
The Caesar family had a domus (a Roman town house) which was located in the Subura district; or, more accurately, the district had sprung up around the house. Julius Caesar lived there until he became Pontifex Maximus in 63 BC, upon which a more suitable level of living accommodation became more in keeping with his new status. (Related Page: Julius Caesar - Advancement and Conspiracy)
The poet Martial (Marcus Valerius Martialis) also lived in the Subura region of the city for a time.
