In ancient Rome, individuals often engaged in multiple occupations to support themselves and their families. One such combination was the role of a farmer-merchant. Here's a glimpse into the daily life of a Roman farmer-merchant:
1. Pre-Dawn:
- Rise before sunrise to check the farm animals and ensure their well-being.
2. Cultivating the Land:
- Head out to the farmlands with agricultural tools.
- Plow the fields, plant seeds, and perform various farming tasks.
3. Tending to Livestock:
- Care for animals like cows, goats, or pigs.
- Feed them, clean their pens, and manage breeding.
4. Harvests:
- During harvest season, reap crops and store them properly for future use.
5. Marketplace Preparations:
- In the afternoon, pack a selection of surplus crops and other goods to sell at the market.
6. Journey to the Marketplace:
- Depending on the distance, travel by foot or use a cart to reach the nearest marketplace.
7. Selling Goods:
- Set up a stall at the market and display the produce, livestock, or handcrafted items for sale.
- Engage in bartering or use money (coins) to exchange goods.
8. Interactions:
- Communicate with customers, both local farmers, and urban residents, to negotiate prices.
- Build relationships and establish a regular customer base.
9. Purchases:
- After selling, use the acquired money to purchase goods the family may need, such as pottery, clothing, or spices.
10. Record-Keeping:
- Keep records of sales, purchases, and profits.
- Maintain financial accounts for future reference and taxation purposes.
11. Evening:
- Return to the farm carrying purchases made at the marketplace.
12. Leisure Time:
- In the evening, enjoy leisure activities such as storytelling, playing games, or socializing with neighbors.
13. Meals:
- Prepare meals using fresh produce from the farm and purchased ingredients.
- Share meals with family members.
14. Rest:
- Retreat to a comfortable sleeping area to rest and prepare for the next day's work.
It's important to note that the daily routine could vary depending on factors like the size of the farm, the nature of the crops grown, and the local economic conditions. Some farmer-merchants might also engage in additional activities such as viticulture (grape cultivation) or olive farming.