Interesting Facts about Ancient Rome
The ancient Roman empire was one of the biggest ones the world has ever known, and spanned more than seven centuries. Despite the fact that this empire fell more than one thousand, five hundred years ago, people are still fascinated by Ancient Rome. Here are a few facts about Rome that might be interesting.
Ancient Romans spoke Latin. That language had a big influence on many European languages, including Portuguese, Spanish, Italian and French. Latin was also the official language of the Catholic Church for a long time.
The first inhabitants of the area that is now Rome lived on Palatine hill, about one thousand years BCE. Evidence suggests that they were farmers.
Ancient Roman legend says that the city was founded by Romulus and Remus, two brothers raised by a female wolf. Romulus killed his brother and named the city after himself.
Most of Roman religion was borrowed from the Greeks. The gods and goddesses are often the same, but have different names.
Rome officially became a republic in about 500 BCE. The city started to take over Italy around 400 BCE.
Triumphal arches built around Europe are a way for Romans to honor their victories. Many of these are still around today.
Rome was ruled in part by the Senate, composed of three hundred senators, who were in office for life.
History says that many of Rome's emperors were mad, including Nero and Caligula. However, not all were insane.
Hannibal, a general from the North African city of Carthage, was one of the most notorious enemies of Rome.
Roman soldiers usually walked at least eighteen miles a day and built the Roman roads, many of which still exist. Soldiers had to be in the army for twenty-five years.
We think of Romans as wearing togas, but only citizens could wear them. Foreigners and slaves were forbidden from wearing these garments, and there were many slaves in Ancient Rome. Senators were the only people allowed to wear togas edged in purple cloth, and Emperors were the only ones allowed to wear all purple. However, purple at this time was a special dye that came from a type of shellfish, and was probably closer to dark red or plum color than violet.
Instead of crowns, Roman emperors wore laurel leaves on their heads.
Upperclass Roman homes had indoor plumbing and flushing toilets.
Julius Caesar's murder in 44 BCE led to a civil war.
The population of Rome reached one million by 50 BCE.
The Colosseum was opened in 80 CE by Emperor Titus. Slaves trained as gladiators fought for public amusement. Other locations, like the Circus Maximus, presented horse races, foot races, chariot races and wrestling matches. As many as two hundred fifty thousand people could sit in this arena at once.
In 313 CE, Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity.
In 410 CE, Rome was sacked by tribes from the north. However, the last Roman emperor ruled until 476 CE.
Roman Emperors were responsible for being head of the judicial system, controlling the Empire's religion and commanding the military. Augustus Caesar, who instituted the famous Pax Romana (Roman Peace) used the title of Senator, not Emperor.
Take a look at our children's Roman dressing up clothes here.
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