TEN FUN FACTS ABOUT ANCIENT ROME

Learning about history is often seen as quite boring. Reading books, looking at old pieces of broken pottery in a museum, it can be difficult to connect these things to the real people whose lives we study when we learn history. Whether you're learning history in primary school, or even studying it at University, what you're ultimately studying is the combined stories of people who lived long ago. It's when you dig into these ideas of real people that you can find the most fascinating, exciting or weird and wonderful stories. So, if you’re curious about the world of the ancient Romans, you’re in for a treat. Let me share with you 10 fun facts about Ancient Rome that will make history come alive!

The Roman Empire Was Huge!

Did you know that at its peak, the Roman Empire covered over 2.5 million square miles? That was a combined sum of millions upon millions of people, all governed and ruled without the use of the internet, radios or mobile phones. From Western Europe, to North Africa, or the border of Scotland to the Middle East and parts of Asia...imagine how many different people, languages, and cultures were all part of one empire! This massive Empire was only possible because of how meticulous and organised the Romans were.

They built roads that connected cities far and wide, making travel and trade easier. Some of these roads are still used today! The saying “All roads lead to Rome” wasn’t just a metaphor; it was a practical reality.

Ancient Rome Insights: The Romans Loved Their Baths

If you watch any historical dramas on TV, it can be tempting to believe that everyone in the past was covered in a permanent layer of dirt and grime, but the reality is that Romans were very clean people! One of the coolest things about Roman life was their public baths. These weren’t just places to get clean; they were social hubs where people met friends, exercised, and relaxed. The baths had hot and cold pools, steam rooms, and even libraries!

I remember visiting a Roman bath museum and being amazed at how advanced their heating system was. They used something called a hypocaust - an underfloor heating system that kept the rooms warm. Pretty clever for a civilisation that existed over 2,000 years ago!

An example of a Roman bathhouse

What is a gross Fact About Rome?

Here’s a fun one that always makes me smile: Romans used to clean their clothes with urine! Yes, you read that right. A Fuller was someone who cleaned clothes, and they could make a lot of money doing it. But I wonder if it was worth the smell?

Poor people could even sell their urine to a Fuller who would use it to clean clothes. The ammonia in urine was a powerful cleaning agent.

Gladiators Were More Like Celebrities Than Fighters

When you think of gladiators, you probably imagine fierce warriors battling to the death. While that did happen, many gladiators were actually celebrities who had fans and sponsors. They trained hard, followed strict diets, and sometimes even became wealthy. Gladiators were owned and trained by someone called a Lanista. This person invested lots of money in training and feeding his gladiators, so it would make no sense if they died every time they fought!

Some gladiators were volunteers who saw it as a way to gain fame and fortune. Others were slaves or prisoners, but the idea of gladiators fighting to the death every time is an inaccurate one!

Romans Invented Concrete

One of the reasons Roman buildings have lasted so long is because of their invention of concrete. This wasn’t the grey, crumbly stuff we see today. Roman concrete was a special mix that included volcanic ash, making it incredibly strong and durable.

Thanks to this invention, they built amazing structures like the Pantheon, which still stands with its massive dome intact. Next time you see a concrete building, you can thank the Romans!

Interior of the Pantheon dome

Roman Roads Were Engineering Marvels

We touched on Roman roads earlier, but it’s worth diving deeper. These roads were built with layers of materials to ensure durability and drainage. They were so well constructed that some are still visible and usable today.

The roads helped the Roman army move quickly and allowed trade to flourish. They even had milestones to mark distances, much like modern road signs. Romans also ensured their roads were as straight as possible, charting the shortest distance between two locations. Their engineering prowess meant that even natural terrain like hills or forests could be easily navigated with a road.

The Romans Had a Calendar Like Ours

Ever wonder where our calendar comes from? The Roman calendar is the ancestor of the one we use today. Julius Caesar introduced the Julian calendar in 45 BC, which was a big improvement over previous versions.

It had 365 days and a leap year every four years. This system was so good that it was used for over 1,600 years before the Gregorian calendar replaced it. So, when you celebrate your birthday, you’re partly celebrating Roman ingenuity!

Roman Food Was Surprisingly Diverse

Roman cuisine wasn’t just about bread and olives, and it also wasn't the traditional Italian food we might think of today! No tomatoes, pasta or pizza, sorry!

They enjoyed a variety of foods, including seafood, fruits, vegetables, and even exotic spices imported from faraway lands. A staple food for most people was bread or porridge made of grain.

One interesting dish was garum, a fermented fish sauce that was a staple seasoning. It might sound strange, but it was the ketchup of the Roman world!

A table showing various Roman cups, bread and grains.

Romans Loved Board Games and Entertainment

Just like us, Romans enjoyed games and entertainment. They played board games like Ludus Latrunculorum, which was similar to chess or checkers. They also loved watching chariot races and theatre performances.

The Colosseum wasn’t just for gladiator fights; it hosted mock sea battles and animal hunts too. Entertainment was a big part of Roman life, keeping people engaged and connected.

The Roman Empire’s Legacy Lives On

Even though the Roman Empire fell over 1,500 years ago, its influence is everywhere. From language (many English words come from Latin) to architecture, law, and government, the Romans shaped much of the modern world.

Learning these ancient rome fun facts helps us appreciate how history connects to our lives today. It’s like stepping into a time machine and seeing the roots of our own society.

Exploring Ancient Rome is like opening a treasure chest full of surprises. Whether it’s their engineering feats, quirky habits, or cultural achievements, there’s always something new to discover.

If you want to bring these stories to life, consider hands-on workshops that let you experience Roman history firsthand. It’s a fantastic way to make learning active, fun, and unforgettable!