The ancient middle classes : urban life and aesthetics in the Roman Empire 100 BCE 250 CE Introduction : class stratification and culture : the Roman middle classes and their place in history In search of ancient middle classes : an archaeology of middle classes in urban life 100 BCE 250 CE From commercial to middle classes : urban life and economy in the Roman Empire In search of middle class culture : commemorating working and private lives Decor and lifestyle : the aesthetics of standardization Conclusion