Pack your imaginary toga and lace up your sandals as we embark on a journey through the ancient and eternal city of Rome. From gladiators in the Colosseum to gelato by the Spanish Steps, Rome is a treasure trove of history, culture, and dolce vita vibes. In this exploration of the city that wasn’t built in a day, we’ll uncover 25 fascinating facts that go beyond the ruins, revealing the timeless allure and fascinating tales that make Rome a living testament to the passage of millennia. So, grab a cappuccino, and let’s toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain of knowledge about the eternal city!
1-5 Fun Facts About Rome
1. Founded in 753 BC by Romulus, Rome predates the Republic of Italy by 2,500 years.
2. Surprisingly, Rome wasn’t always Italy’s capital. After the unification of Italy, Turin held the title from 1861 to 1865, followed by Florence until 1871, when Rome assumed its position as the capital.
3. Rome is nicknamed “Caput Mundi,” Italian for the “Capital of the World.”
4. Rome holds the distinction of being the first city in the world to reach a population of 1 million inhabitants, achieving this milestone in 133 BC. To put this in perspective, Paris attained the same population level in 1850, and London in 1810.
5. The world’s inaugural shopping mall, Trajan’s Market, was constructed in Ancient Rome in 110 AD by the Greek engineer Apollodorus of Damascus under the orders of Roman Emperor Trajan. Spanning two floors with over 150 rooms, it featured shops, restaurants, and libraries.
6-10 Interesting Facts About Rome
6. But wait, there’s more to Rome than just impressive shopping complexes. Ever heard of a city hosting its very own country? Welcome to Vatican City, ruled by the Pope – the smallest independent state globally, nestled entirely within Rome. No passport is needed; just stroll from the streets of Rome and voila, you’re in Vatican City!
7. The city boasts over 2,000 fountains, with the Trevi Fountain being a notable attraction.
8. Almost 3,000 euros are thrown into the Trevi Fountain daily, surpassing a million euros annually. While attempts to steal the money are made regularly, such actions are illegal. Interestingly, the funds collected have been used to support a supermarket for the needy.
9. In 1956 Paris and Rome signed an agreement to become twin cities of each other exclusively with the statement “Only Paris is worthy of Rome; only Rome is worthy of Paris.”
10. A unique Roman law allows cats to roam freely in Rome, allowing them to live undisturbed where they were born.
11-15 Surprising Facts About Ancient Rome
11. Romans had a peculiar tradition of crucifying dogs annually, with geese sitting on purple and gold pillows and observing. Why? Because when the Gauls attacked in 390 BCE, geese sounded the alarm while guard dogs remained silent.
12. “Secessio Plebis” was an ancient Roman form of revolt where commoners would collectively leave the city, abandoning the corrupt ruling class to fend for themselves.
13. Ancient Romans erected statues of Hannibal Barca, the Carthaginian general who nearly conquered Rome, as a testament to their triumph over a formidable adversary.
14. In ancient Rome, actors held a low social status and were viewed scarcely better than prostitutes. Talk about tough crowd.
15. Designated as one of the 7 new wonders of the world in 2001, The Colosseum was built by the Romans in 80 AD and could accommodate an impressive 50,000 to 80,000 spectators.
16-20 Insane Facts About Ancient Rome
16. In addition to that, the Colosseum was occasionally flooded for naval battles, showcasing gladiators fighting in ships and water.
17. During the Colosseum fights, over 500,000 gladiators and 1 million animals lost their lives.
18. And the Roman ruins you’ve Instagrammed? Just the tip of the historical iceberg. A mere 10% of Ancient Rome has seen the light of day – not because they’re camera shy, but because digging up history is pricey, and maintaining ancient monuments is wallet-draining. Where’s the crowdfunding when you need it?
19. Roman spouses in ancient times kissed on the mouth at the end of the day, not merely as a display of love but to check their partner’s breath for signs of excessive drinking.
20. In ancient Rome, when women faced difficulties in childbirth, doctors would prescribe gladiator blood to enhance fertility.
21-25 Shocking Facts About Rome
21. Now, brace yourself for this hygiene revelation – public urinals in Rome weren’t just for nature’s call. Romans used the pee for laundry and tooth brushing!
22. The symbol SPQR, ubiquitous in the city, stands for “Senatus Populusque Romanus,” translating to “The Senate and the People of Rome.”
23. Rome faces challenges in expanding its subway system due to continuous archaeological discoveries. The Metro C expansion, underway for 40 years, unearthed Hadrian’s Athenaeum, a military complex, and an amphitheater.
24. While suffering from food poisoning on a Rome film set, James Cameron had a nightmare about an invincible robot hitman from the future, inspiring the concept for “The Terminator” and propelling his career.
25. Lastly, Rome isn’t just the birthplace of pasta – it birthed law too! The inception of written law occurred in Rome during a period of social unrest from 134 BC to 44 BC. In response to arbitrary legal decisions, the people advocated for written laws. The result was the creation of a committee called the decemvirs, consisting of 10 individuals who drafted the legal system known as the ‘Twelve Tables.’ This marked the foundation of Roman law, encompassing religious, public, and civil matters.
That’s it for this post guys, I hope you had fun while reading about 25 Interesting Rome Facts.
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