The poor Ancient Romans had little money and could barely support their life.
Many poor Romans had to farm to keep their life going. They did long, back breaking work for little pay for the crops. Some of money they did make from the crops had to go to seeds for the next year. Their wages from farming was about 5-7 gold coins a year. Even other jobs the poor had didn't make very much money. Because of their lack of money or gold coins, women and family's would often have to abandon their new born babies because they could not financially take care of them. The money they had must go to feeding their shelves and for paying taxes for their house. Most of the poor romans had to live in tiny cramped apartments with many other people. The apartments were very unsanitary and had no room. The poor wore simpe cloths made of wool or linen. The women wore long dresses called stola's but the wealthy women got Palla's which were like togas. The poor and even the middle class family's could only afford simple cheap meals such as bread and somtimes cheese for breakfast, and for dinner, porridge or bread, olives and fruits. Garum, a sauce made of fish parts and olive oil was also a popular gaurment for their food. This food was nothing compared to all the things the wealthy ate. Even if you were poor you could still enjoy nice entertainment at the Colosseum or the Circus Maximus. At these events all you got were some wood benches that weren't very comfortable. Some of the poor would even have to live of a free grain provided bu the government called a dole.