The Romans began in modern-day Italy, in the city of Rome. Gradually, they dominated countries all over the world, including Great Britain. It’s worth exploring about a town that grew into the Eternal City, a monarchy that evolved into a republic, and finally into an empire. Here is a compiled collection of remarkable facts about Romans. It will stimulate your interest in Rome if you plan a trip there or want to learn more about it.
10 Interesting And Remarkable Facts About Romans
Rome was established in 753 BC, and the Roman Empire in 27 BC and the decline Western Roman Empire in the 5th Century AD. The countries in Europe, the Middle East, and even North Africa saw significant impacts from the Roman Empire on their languages, cultures, and histories. These facts about Romans highlight their major achievements and decisions that allowed them to thrive for ages.
1. Facts About Romans History
According to Roman mythology, King Romulus is the founder of Rome. He and his twin brother Remus were abandoned as babies in Rome. When they grew up, Romulus murdered Remus and took over as the first emperor of Rome.
The first king, Romulus, began constructing the city on Palatine Hill. One of the interesting facts about Romans is that after forming Rome, King Romulus allowed people of all classes, including slaves and freed slaves, to come to Rome as citizens without discrimination.
Roman history may be divided into three prime eras: The regal period began when the city of Rome was first founded, succeeded by the Republic period, which lasted from 509 to 27 B.C.E. Rome was controlled by a succession of political representatives during the Republic period. The final period is the Imperial period, which lasted from 27 B.C.E. to 476 A.D. and was controlled by Emperors.
2. Facts About Romans Society
The social class you belonged to greatly influenced how you would live in ancient Rome. Ancient Roman society was hierarchical, where certain individuals were esteemed more highly than others.
Rome had been a patriarchal society. Women were unable to attend political assemblies or vote according to Roman law. They had to abide by their fathers’ or spouses’ rules. However, in certain aspects, women were freer than some modern civilisations.
The Romans ate things that they could produce, catch, or grow. Poor Romans ate meat only when they could afford it and relied on vegetables and cereals. Rich Romans ate meat often and had access to a far greater choice of meals.
One of the most significant facts about Romans was that they gave every one of their residents a free grain supply, an exceptional form of social security provided only by the Roman Empire during that period. One needed to be a Roman citizen to receive the “grain benefit” regardless of societal status.
The Roman educational system gradually achieved its ultimate shape during the peak of the Roman Republic and, further, in the Roman Empire. Roman students would graduate from elementary school through secondary school to college in the same way as today.
Another interesting fact about Romans was that they built lavish tombs for their loved ones after death. The Romans spent extravagantly on magnificent tombs.
3. Facts About Romans Army
The Roman army was one of the most capable armies of that era. With the support of their powerful army, the Romans expanded their kingdom and conquered new lands. Roman soldiers who disobeyed commands risked being beaten to death under tight discipline.
Some incredible facts about Romans army were that they could cover long distances in a single day and were very well organised, their combat was very strong in defence and offence, and their battle strategies were almost unbreakable.
4. The Invasion Of Britain By The Romans
Julius Caesar, the Roman general, was the first to attempt an invasion of Britain. His initial effort failed. In his second attempt, he was able to establish economic relations with the Celtic tribes of Britain. Emperor Claudius was the one who successfully invaded Britain in the third attempt. Some Celtic tribes retained their kingdoms, but they had to accept Roman laws and pay taxes to Rome.
It’s worth mentioning is that the Romans introduced street food in Britain, which is also the earliest evidence of fast food there.
5. Facts About Romans Religious Beliefs
The Ancient Romans worshipped multiple deities. Usually, one temple was dedicated to one God. The Pantheon was a temple where all the gods were worshipped. They worshipped the same gods as the Ancient Greeks, but with Roman names. Temple worship involved offering sacrifices of animals.
6. Facts About Romans- Vatican City
The world’s smallest autonomous state, Vatican City, which is located on the western shore of the River Tiber with a total area of only 44 hectares, is situated in the Roman city. St. Peter’s Basilica is the highest monument in Rome and is inside the Vatican City.
The Sistine Chapel is also in the Vatican City’s Apostolic Palace, the pope’s official residence. It is one of Christianity’s and Catholic Tradition’s most sacred destinations.
7. Facts About Romans Buildings And Architecture
Romans created concrete to make their structures more durable and easy to construct. Roman concrete is responsible for the continued existence of many of Rome’s most illustrious structures, including the Colosseum.
Ancient Romans had around 200 amphitheatres, but the greatest was the Colosseum.
The Circus Maximus was Rome’s chariot racing track from the 6th century BC and is still used today as a significant public gathering place for demonstrations and concerts.
Another important fact about Romans was that taking a bath was significant for keeping clean and as a communal activity. The Romans would visit the “thermae,” or Roman baths, in each town or city to stay tidy.
The Cloaca Maxima, the most advanced sewage system ever built, was situated in Rome. The drainage system was initially an open ditch that drained the floodwaters from the Forum. It got renovated and expanded over time until it eventually absorbed sewage from most of the city.
8. Distinguishing Facts About Romans
Emperor Hadrian attempted but failed, to conquer Scotland. The natives’ guerrilla tactics frightened the Romans, and it was brutally cold over there. He then constructed a massive wall, known as Hadrian’s Wall, over the top of England to keep the vicious Scots out.
More than 70 Emperors ruled in the Imperial era for over 500 years. The Roman ruler who reigned the longest and was known as the most successful was Emperor Augustus. There was peace for a remarkable thirty years in his forty-four-year reign as emperor of Rome.
9. Important Discoveries Made By Romans
The following are some coolest facts about Romans that make them distinct and progressive.
- Roman numerals were developed in Ancient Rome and then adopted by medieval Europe.
- The Roman calendar, which was subsequently changed to the Julian calendar by Julius Caesar, was first implemented by King Romulus. The Julian calendar was based on the solar year and divided the year into twelve months, including a leap year at the end of February every four years. The Gregorian calendar we use now is a modified version of the calendar devised by the Romans.
- They developed central heating to keep homes warm throughout the winter. The name of this centralised heating system was the hypocaust. It involves pumping hot air through hollowed-out walls and floors.
- The Romans constructed Europe’s first paved roadway. The Romans physically built their roads and later reinvented them. The Romans constructed around 55,000 miles of straight roads across their kingdom. These facts about Romans demonstrate their ability as a developed culture.
10. The Decline Of The Roman Empire
By the time the Roman Empire ended, it had an area of over 2 million square miles and had spread as far as Scotland from Syria.With time it became challenging to oversee such a vast empire and maintain communication between the various areas. The Huns, barbarians, and several other tribes became threats.
Emperor Romulus Augustulus, the final Roman emperor, was finally defeated and succeeded by the German Prince Odovacar.
Fun Facts About Romans
There were also several fascinating facts about Romans and their way of life.
- Urine had several purposes for the Romans. They also used it to whiten teeth, tan leather, and wash clothes.
- Gladiator fights were held in amphitheatres, and chariot races were the most popular form of Roman entertainment.
- There were 1,423 drinking fountains in the historic city of Rome in the third century AD, but there are now more than 2,000.
Conclusion
As the saying goes, Rome wasn’t built overnight, and the ultimate power centre of the medieval era did not collapse in a single rapid calamity. Rome dominated Europe, parts of North Africa, and Asia for more than 700 years. Their history spans more than a thousand years and is intricate and intriguing.
Above are some amazing facts about Romans that highlights the factors that made them a remarkable civilisation in human history.
