Foreigners at Rome: Citizens and Strangers

As the centre of a large and dynamic empire, Rome was a magnet for voluntary visitors and the destination for huge numbers of foreign slaves. Noy discusses the reaction of Roman citizens to the influx, particularly to the foreign military population which was constantly changing, and Rome's dependence on its slaves. The last section of the book examines the daily life of a foreigner in Rome with the influence of his native culture and religion on his Roman life and the numerous problems he would encounter, particularly with housing and employment. The origin of immigrants is shown to extend from Gaul through Greece to Asia Minor and North Africa. This is a comprehensive and accessible book which includes numerous accounts of individual lives and tables which illustrate more general trends.