"I can show you the place where you could easily find every kind of man, if he wants to meet someone, unless he is bogged down with excess work, either corrupt or without fault, either good or depraved. Let him go into the assembly, the conniving politician who wants to assemble...

He who is lying and boastful, I look for near the shrine of Cloacina.
The rich, the deadbeat husbands, I look for at the foot of the basilica.
In the same place are the wornout prostitutes, who are used to bargaining with anyone and everyone.
Innkeepers can be found near the fishmarket.
The decent, rich fellas walk around in the lower forum.
In the middle of the forum near the Canal are the pure showoffs.
The confident, the garrulous, and the malevolent above the Lacus Curtius, who others of not much merit throw insults at - and they really do deserve them, if the truth be told.
Near the old shops are those who give and take with interest (bankers).
Behind the temple of Castor are those people you are wise to stay away from.
In the Vicus Tuscus are people selling themselves.
In the Velabrum are either millers or butchers or soothsayers, either those who themselves cheat, or those that give others the chance to cheat."

- Titus Maccius Plautus' Curculio (circa: 200 B.C.)

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