Roman Facts

The history of Rome is full of innovation, empire building, gladiators, and togas. Starting in present-day Italy, Rome grew and developed. Rome became the most important empire that at one time ruled most of Europe and parts of the Middle East and more.

Ancient Rome’s history  began in its founding  in 753 B.C. The village became a massive city that slowly became an eternal city. At one time, the Roman empire had about 50 to 90 million people. The Roman Empire had at one time around 20% of the world’s population.

Learn more about the greatest modern day empire of the world below with these incredible facts and figures about the Romans.

Rome was Named After One of the Twin Sons of Mars

The origin of Rome, as a name, is from the founder and first ruler, Romulus. The city of Rome in the beginning was supposedly also led by Romulus and Remus.

Romulus and Remus, the twin sons of Mars and the god of war! Historically, Rome had a monarchy that ended in 509 B.C.

In general, Romulus and his twin brother Remus were raised by a she-wolf creature that abandoned them. This grief and abandonment led to the twins deciding to build a city.

The Romans Invented Many Important and Long Lasting Things for the World

The sheer amount of things the Romans invented is overwhelming. Overall, Rome and the empire had a lot of resources, people power, and ambition.

Many of the things invented by Rome are still in use today like concrete, newspapers, books, calendars and even central heating.

Other things the Romans invented: Arches, grid based cities, roads, highways, aqueducts, surgery tools and medical techniques.

The First Country to Invade Britain was Ancient Rome

Historically, what is today the UK, Britain has been isolated and protected. However, the Romans were the first people to invade Britain and make a lasting mark. AD 43 is the year that Rome conquered Britain. The Romans were bold.

Famed Roman, Julius Caesar, was the one who led the Romans to conquering Britain. This was a big task and difficult job because it took almost a hundred years until Britain was fully conquered. The Romans influenced Britain after arriving.

The First Sewer System in the World was Built in 500 BC

The Romans developed one of the first modern sewer systems in the world. For example, it was the Etruscans, near Rome, who developed a modern structure below the city streets.

The Romans called the sewer system, “Cloaca Maxima.”  Constructed during the Roman Kingdom or early Roman Republic period of the empire. The purpose of the empire was to drain marshes and remove and take out waste from the city of Rome. These types of sewage systems became standard in various towns of the Roman world.

Romans Enjoyed Gladiator Games as a Popular form of Entertainment

Gladiators are world renowned and known all over the world. However, the true nature of the Gladiators and the games they participated in are not as known.

For example, the concept of bravery was very important for Romans. For example, there had to be a sense of demonstrated boldness, which meant they had to suffer injury, blood loss, and death.

The Gladiator battles happened in The Colosseum in present-day Rome. The games were decided by the crowd and often meant a game of high risk danger, injury, or even death.

Romans Took Baths Together Unlike Other Cultures

 The communal baths looked more like spas and were meant to be brought together for cleaning. Most Romans of the time had baths in these groups or communal baths.

The Romans made baths a luxury and an art. For example, the baths were social and would be in temples as well. Moreover, sometimes business deals would be done in luxury baths or even natural hot springs.

A relic from 354 AD advertised baths of various sizes. The number of bath types offered to Romans were almost 1000!

 The First Shopping Mall of the World was Built by the Romans

The world’s first shopping mall is a treat because it still stands today. The mall is called Trajan’s market and was built by the emperor in 107.

Trajan the emperor built the mall in a busy and dynamic hub of Rome. It was believed you could get items from around the world at Trakan’s market. This architectural marvel was built to house around 150 shops and offices in total.

The Romans Ate Their Food While Lying Down Instead of Sitting up

The concept of sitting down while eating was a question of class and status. Also, the Romans took an ancient Greek custom and made it their own.

In theory, the concept was that upper class men would lay down to consume food. The idea of eating lying down was a sign of luxury. Unlike Ancient Greece, the Romans allowed upper class women to eat lying down.

When you ate lying down then others served you, which symbolized power and luxury. Although enjoyed by the powerful, other Romans copied and ate lying down.

Roman Roads were So Well Built that They are Still Being Used Today

Even today, there are many more places in Europe and around the world where Roman roads are still in use. Many parts of the world can see evidence of this former empire.

For example, some Roman roads are built over by highways while other streets have cobblestone. This is the original cobblestone that the Romans built themselves.

One example is Via Tiburtina, which goes from Rome to Tivoli and then throughout Italy today. Another example, the Romans built 55,000 miles of road. Some of these roads are still in use!

Roman Buildings and Structures Lasted Longer than Anything Built Ever

Many buildings from antiquity never survived beyond their period or certainly for more than 1000 years. However, the Romans built some structure that lasted almost 2000 years.

Roman dams and structures are renowned especially in present-day Italy like the Colosseum. Also, there is a dam in Spain that is still in use after 1,900 years. It was not until the later Middle Ages that anybody would surpass the Romans in design and building quality.

Roman concrete made things strong and durable. The hydraulic-setting cement featured  ash, which is good for preventing cracks from spreading.

Togas were a Popular Sign of Status and Power in Ancient Rome

The Toga was worn by the wealthy and more powerful Romans. The Roman citizens who wore the toga saw it as a sign of their role in the Roman society. For example, certain colors in the toga symobolized different roles.

Most Togas were white in Rome. However, Roman senators wore togas with a purple stripe. The Toga was a symbol of power overall.

The love of togas by Ancient Romans was so strong that Romans called themselves, “Togati.”

Roman Armies were Among the Strongest and Respected in World History

Everyone knew the Romans had a reputation, so the Roman empire. In fact, the expansion of Rome and eventually the Roman empire is exactly because of the strength of the Roman army.

Some of the characteristics of the army included that the Roman army was very well organized and highly trained. Their special skills meant the Roman army could defeat armies that were bigger even!

The Ancient Romans Spoke of the Oldest Classical Languages of the World

Latin is an important language for Europe and the Western countries. The influence Latin had on various commonly spoken languages like English is very important.

Latin is not spoken anymore, but Italian is the closest language to Latin in its purest form. Sometimes the Romans spoke Greek as well, but Latin was their main language.

Ancient Rome Contributed to Almost Every Field and Industry at One Time

The Romans had a lot to be proud of overall. For example, Ancient Roman culture and  civilisation has left an influence and mark on modern language, society, technology, law, government, military warfare, art, literature, architecture and engineering.

Moreover, Rome standardized many areas of industry that also inspired many newer countries like the USA and France.

The extensive system of roads was the first of its kind in infrastructure and organization of a town. Lastly, the Roman dedication to monuments and palaces was unrivalled and inspirational.

Being Left Handed in Ancient Rome Could be Seen as Evil

This myth that left handed people were different was more from the fact that it was rare. However, in ancient Rome the fear or distrust of left-handed people was very serious.

All in all, Romans considered anyone preferring their left hand as being  unlucky or evil even! Moreover, some thought left handed people were somehow off or away from the norm or center.

In Latin, the word “sinister” is a variation or meaning of the original word “left,” which means or is related to “evil” because of modern day superstition.

Author: Jay Garr