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It is refreshing to see that the focus of some of the modern research on Ancient Rome has delved into the lives of non-elite Romans, including small farmers, slaves, and peasants. University of Pennsylvania Professor Kimberly Bowes has dedicated much of her research investigating the lives of the rural and non-elite in the Empire. Her new book does look interesting: Her research has uncovered some interesting insights: I would caution her against being too doctrinaire in her approach, however: This is the kind of politically correct gibberish that detracts from potentially useful research and insights. I am willing to wager that we know far more about the lives of Julius Caesar’s wives and lovers than we do about the lives of any of the millions of men, women, and children from Gaul killed or enslaved by Caesar. Nevertheless, we can hope to learn more about the non-elite (the vast majority of individuals) in Ancient Rome. https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/regular-folks-roman-empire-kimberly-bowes-archaeology-economics