Flutterby™! : Murtis vs Cicero

What ancient Roman hospitality workers can teach us about this moment in history

As archaeologists excavate the remains of Pompeii’s bars, bakeries, baths, and brothels, we see a distinct pattern. People like Murtis and Julia -- who gained their freedom from slavery and wifery -- didn’t want to squander their liberty on war. As we can see from their homes and businesses, they wanted domestic comforts. University of Cincinnati classicist Steven Ellis suggests that the Roman economy during this period largely depended on trade and services rather than the bloody military engagements and civil wars of Cicero’s beloved Republic.

Via Eλf Sternberg, who pulled this quote:

"Cicero often opined about the nasty lifestyles of young people who preferred sex to war and he remains a conservative icon to this day."