pt. I. The physical and moral background of Roman life. The extent and population of the city: The splendour of the urbs ; The precincts of Rome and the city's true extent ; The growth of the city's population Houses and streets: Modern aspects of the Roman house ; Archaic aspects of the Roman house ; Streets and traffic Society and social classes: Romans and foreigners ; Slavery and manumission ; The confusion of social values ; Living standards and the plutocracy Marriage, woman, and the family: The weakening of paternal authority ; Betrothal and marriage ; The Roman matron ; Feminism and demoralisation ; Divorce and the instability of the family Education and religion: Symptoms of decomposition ; Primary education ; The routine teaching of the grammarian ; Impractical rhetoric ; The decay of traditional religion ; The progress of Oriental mysticism ; The advent of Christianity
pt. II. The day's routine. The morning: The days and hours of the Roman calendar ; The Roman begins the day ; The barber ; The matron dresses
Occupations: The duties of a "client" ; Businessmen and manual labourers ; Justice and politics ; Public readings
Shows and spectacles: "Panem et circenses" ; The employment of leisure ; The races ; The theatre ; The amphitheatre ; Late opposition
Afternoon and evening: Strolling, gaming, and pleasure ; The baths ; Dinner ; Sources of information.