ABSTRACT
Expectation of life in the Greek and Roman world was closer to that of other pre-industrial societies than to that of modern ‘Western’ countries. Life expectancy at birth was probably twenty-five to thirty years.1 There must have been considerable local and social differences. Great cities, such as Rome itself, like early modern London, attracted new inhabitants and reduced their life expectancy. Infant mortality was very high. But the upper classes, with a better diet, access to doctors (not always salutary), freedom from hard physical work, the ability to visit the country and seaside and to stay out of the city through the worst of the summer heat, were more likely to enjoy a long life than the working class.2 Even their domestic slaves had healthier lives than the poor citizens.
