The vineyard would consist of the overseer (wife), ten farm-laborers or slaves, one ox heard, a donkey-man, a willow worker, a swine heard (fertilizer), two oxen and four donkeys (two of which were for the mill). The only equipment they used were extra helpers during harvest time. .
Consequently, Italy remained self-sufficient within the peninsula for wine, fruits, vegetables and meat, yet many farmers also kept chickens and bees (honey was said to have the same use as sugar today). Soon, as cities grew, the corn supply for the urban society grew to be a problem; it was soon imported by sea. Rome had relied on Sicily for grain from 241 BC, and this grain was Rome's source for daily bread; the more populated areas of Italy used slaves in Ostia (but also Rome) to grow grain. Vast numbers of slaves were used for the production of grain, though merchant intermediaries were also relied upon (Bailey).
Occupation Specialization.
Since the first Romans were shepherds and farmers, they that worked their own land formed the backbone of the Roman army. They planted their crops in the spring and harvested in the fall; during the summer, they fought in the army. In addition to farmers and soldiers, there were miners, persons in charge of trade, architects/engineers, glassmakers, cloth makers, pottery makers and jewelry makers. .
Rural life changed after Rome began to expand its territory. Many farmers were sent to fight wars abroad for long periods; coincidentally, they had to sell their land. Wealthy Romans then built up large estates on which they raised crops and livestock to sell for a profit. They bought slaves to work for them and rented land to tenant farmers. For most farmers, life was hard; nevertheless, they could look forward to regular festivals, such as those at planting and at harvest time, which provided athletic games and other entertainment. .
Under the Roman Republic, the army was made up only of citizens who owned land.