The service sector in the classical world: focus on entertainment and well-being

Purpose Predicting effects of artificial intelligence on service occupations can be supported by a long historical perspective. Historical databases and archaeology help reconstructing the sector in ancient societies. Here, purpose this paper is to analyse occupational specialization within services cities Greece Roman Empire, as well how reflected architectural remains, identify differences similarities with today’s Europe. Design/methodology/approach Occupational titles are traced epigraphical literary sources, sorted according ISCO-08. Secondary sources used for evidence activities, role contests entertainment antiquity. Findings Compared current European employment, professionals were fewer classical Athens imperial Rome, which had greater proportion specialized salespersons. There few office buildings no civic hospitals, but heavy investment facilities well-being. Quality assessments goods little developed; cultural sports activities assessed quality. Research limitations/implications This study covers two periods antiquity restricted Mediterranean cultures, although findings may understanding poor countries informal employment. Originality/value While particular provided have been studied, there has broad comparative overview their occupations. Services earlier societies primitive information communication technologies provide clues developments.