15 Fascinating Facts About Rome

The Founding of Rome

1. Romulus and Remus: According to legend, Rome was founded in 753 BC by Romulus, who, along with his twin brother Remus, was raised by a she-wolf. The story culminates in Romulus killing Remus and establishing himself as the first king of Rome.

Rome's Vast Road Network

1. Ancient Infrastructure: By the fourth century, Rome had developed an extensive road network exceeding 53,000 miles, embodying the proverb "All roads lead to Rome." This network facilitated trade, military expeditions, and cultural exchange across the Roman Empire.

Trevi Fountain's Charitable Tradition

1. Coins for Charity: The Trevi Fountain, one of Rome's most iconic landmarks, sees about 3,000 euros in coins tossed into its waters daily. These funds are collected nightly and donated to Caritas, a charity supporting Rome's needy families. Learn more about Trevi Fountain.

Religious and Architectural Richness

1. Churches and Fountains: Today, Rome boasts over 900 churches and 280 fountains, each with its own history and architectural style, reflecting the city's religious significance and artistic heritage.

Fashion of Ancient Rome

1. Togas and Stolas: In ancient Rome, togas were a symbol of citizenship worn by men, while women wore stolas, garments made of linen, indicating their status and role in society.

Trajan’s Column

1. A Monumental Sculpture: Trajan's Column, standing at 128 feet, features a helical frieze that winds up the shaft for 655 feet. It commemorates Emperor Trajan's victory in the Dacian Wars.

The Colosseum's Grandeur

1. A World Wonder: The Colosseum is not only a symbol of Rome but also a testament to the architectural ingenuity of the ancient Romans. It remains a major tourist attraction, often requiring a full day to explore thoroughly.

Capital City Status

1. From Florence to Rome: Although Florence was once the capital of Italy, Rome took over this role in 1870, following the unification of Italy.

Innovations in Concrete

1. Roman Concrete: The Romans pioneered the use of concrete, which enabled them to construct enduring structures such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon.

Feline Protection Laws

1. Sanctuary for Cats: In Rome, cats are legally protected in the place where they were born. Many can be seen lounging around the Forum ruins or scaling the walls of the Colosseum.

Dining Customs of Ancient Rome

1. Between-Meal Vomiting: It was common for ancient Romans to purge themselves between meals to make room for more food, a practice believed to be a sign of wealth and opulence.

A Kiss for Truth

1. A Daily Ritual: Roman men traditionally kissed their wives at the end of each day not for romance, but to check if they had been drinking.

Architectural Marvels

1. The Pantheon’s Dome: The Pantheon's dome, measuring 142 feet in diameter, is still the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome, surpassing even that of St. Peter’s Basilica.

The Colosseum’s Bloody History

1. Gladiatorial Games: The Colosseum was the arena for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. Historical estimates suggest that over 500,000 people and a million animals died in these brutal games.

Conclusion

1. A Living Museum: Rome encapsulates thousands of years of history, each corner and stone telling a story of its glorious past and vibrant present. Whether it's through its ancient ruins, bustling streets, or quiet corners, Rome continues to be a treasure trove of historical wonders.

These facts about Rome offer just a glimpse into the city's rich tapestry of history, culture, and innovation. Each visit to Rome is an opportunity to uncover more layers of its endless stories and traditions.