Most people in the ancient world, from slaves to skilled artisans — instead of owning vast estates or plundering enemy treasuries — worked for a living. From odd jobs to construction contracts, all manner of employment was available.

Theme: Labour in antiquity

• Miriam J. Groen-Vallinga, 'Talking tools? - Rome's enslaved labour'.
• Charlotte van Regenmortel, 'Fighting for a living - Professional soldiery in the Hellenistic age'.
• Owain Williams, 'Finding work - The labour market in ancient Rome'.
• Katherine Backler, 'Woven wealth and women's work - The ancient Greek textile economy'.
• Arienne King, '"As long as my people keep on working" - Labour in ancient Egypt'.

Features:

• Rhyne King, 'Managing an empire - The satraps of Achaemenid Persia'.
• Peter Edwell, 'The city of Hatra - An ancient geopolitical hostspot'.
• Jeroen W.P. Wijnendaele, 'The lion and the gladiator - The arena on the edge of empire'.
• Louise M. Pryke, 'The tale of Gilgamesh - The world's first tragic epic'.
• Philip Matyszak, 'Food on the table - Grocery shopping in ancient Rome'.