Chapter XII. Economic Life of Rome: I. Banking,

Shops, and Inns

194. Passion for Gain in Rome 220

195. Life in Rome Expensive. Premiums upon Extravagance and Pretence 221

196. Rome a City of Investors and Buyers of Luxuries 222

197. Multiplicity of Shops. The Great Shopping Districts 223

198. Arrangement of Shops. Streets Blocked by Hucksters 224

199. Barbers’ Shops and Auction Sales 225

200. Superior Retail Stores 226

201. Numerous Banks and Bankers 227

202. A Great Banker and His Business 228

203. Trust Business: Savings Banks 229

204. Places of Safe Deposit: The Temple of Vesta 230

205. Inns: Usually Mean and Sordid 231

206. Reckonings and Guests at a Cheap Inn 233

207. Noble Frequenters of Taverns 234

208. Respectable Eating-Houses 235

209. _Thermopolia_--“Hot Drink Establishments” 236