Facts about Ancient Rome
The Roman Empire dominated the Mediterranean sea, and sprawled across 3 continents: Europe, Africa, and Asia. In its height, it’s estimated that the population exceeded 60 million people. The capital of the empire was Rome. We’re still learning more from the countless archaeological sites that are being excavated everyday. But here are 5 amazing facts about Rome that you should know!
1. Ancient Rome had the world’s first complex sewer system. Known as the Cloaca Maxima, the earliest foundations of the sewer system can be traced back to a drainage project in the 6th Century BCE. As the ages went it was scaled up massively, serving public buildings, palaces and bathhouses. A small portion of it remains in the city today still serving its purpose.
2. Mortality rates exceeded birth rates. Ancient Rome was a death trap. Throughout its history it was a breeding ground for Malaria and other diseases. These were things to worry about for those who were lucky enough to be born. Many women died in child birth, and 50 percent of the babies born would die before the age of 10. If it wasn’t for the large numbers of people that travelled to the city it would’ve been impossible for Rome to maintain its population.
3. Ancient Rome was home to 2 the biggest stadiums in the Empire. The Colosseum hosted gladiatorial fights and wild beast hunts. The capacity of the stadium exceeded 50,000 spectators. On the other hand, there was the Circus Maximus: a chariot racing stadium which could hold 250,000 spectators on race day.
4. Ancient Rome was a patriarchal society. Women didn’t have much say, and weren’t even regarded as citizens. Only men could be Citizens. Women were allowed to the games in the Colosseum, but they were seats were right at the top, with the worst view. The role of the women in ancient roman society was being a loyal wife and managing the household.
5. Ancient Rome was a polytheistic society. What does Polytheistic mean? The Romans worshipped multiple gods for different purposes. A roman favorite was Mars, the god of war. Or, there was Vesta, the goddess of hearth and home. Towards the fall of the Roman Empire Christianity became increasingly popular and eventually replaced the old pagan ways of the Romans.
Enjoying the facts about Rome? See a collection of 50 greatest facts about Rome. 5 is simply not enough to even give a glimpse into the crazy world of Ancient Rome! Want to visit Rome? See Carpe Diem Rome’s tours of Rome. Ranging from Colosseum tours, to walking tours, to tipsy tours.
