Top 50 Unknown and Amazing Facts about Rome
Italy’s capital, Rome, is one of the world’s most historically significant cities. Rome, also referred to as the “Eternal City,” has played a significant role in the rise and fall of empires, the advancement of Western civilisation, and the dissemination of Christianity. With a history spanning over 2,500 years, it is a cultural heritage hotspot rich in historic sites.
The Colosseum, a historic amphitheater that originally held gladiatorial contests, is one of Rome’s most famous landmarks. The Roman Forum, the center of ancient Rome’s political and social life, is located nearby. Vatican City, the world’s tiniest sovereign state and the location of Michelangelo’s magnificent ceiling painting in the Sistine Chapel, is also a must-see.
Rome is a dynamic city full of art, fashion, and world-class food that extends beyond its past. Wander around quaint neighborhoods like Trastevere or enjoy a gelato at the Trevi Fountain, where it’s customary to toss a coin to guarantee one’s return to the city.
Below are 50 unknown and amazing facts about Rome that highlight its rich past, vibrant culture, and intriguing mysteries.
1. Rome is Over 2,700 Years Old
Rome was founded in 753 BC, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
2. The Colosseum is One of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World
Built between 70 and 80 AD, the Colosseum is still one of the most iconic symbols of ancient Rome and is recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
3. Rome Has More Fountains Than Any Other City
With over 1,500 fountains scattered throughout the city, Rome holds the record for the most fountains in a single city.
4. Vatican City is the Smallest Country in the World
Nestled within Rome, Vatican City is an independent city-state covering just 44 hectares (110 acres).
5. The Pantheon’s Dome Remains the Largest Unreinforced Concrete Dome in the World
The Pantheon, completed in 125 AD, still holds this engineering record nearly 2,000 years after its construction.
6. Romans Invented Concrete
Ancient Romans invented concrete, which helped them build structures that have lasted for centuries.
7. The Spanish Steps Aren’t Actually Spanish
The famous Spanish Steps are named after the nearby Spanish Embassy but were funded by a French diplomat.
8. Rome is Known as the ‘City of Seven Hills’
Rome was originally built on seven hills: Aventine, Caelian, Capitoline, Esquiline, Palatine, Quirinal, and Viminal.
9. The Roman Forum Was the Center of Ancient Roman Life
The Roman Forum served as the political, commercial, and religious hub of ancient Rome.
10. Cats Are Considered Sacred in Rome
There are laws in Rome that protect its cat population, and you can often see stray cats wandering around ancient ruins.
11. The Trevi Fountain Collects Over €3,000 Every Day
Tourists toss coins into the Trevi Fountain for good luck, and the money is collected to support charity.
12. Vatican City Has Its Own Postal System
Vatican City is so independent that it has its own postal service, considered one of the best in the world.
13. St. Peter’s Basilica is the Largest Church in the World
St. Peter’s Basilica, located in Vatican City, covers over 15,000 square meters.
14. Ancient Romans Used to Bathe in Public Baths
The Roman Baths, known as thermae, were large complexes with heated rooms, pools, and gyms where citizens could relax.
15. Rome is Home to 280 Fountains
Apart from the famous ones, Rome is home to hundreds of smaller fountains located in public squares and gardens.
16. The Sistine Chapel’s Ceiling Took Michelangelo Four Years to Paint
Michelangelo painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel between 1508 and 1512, creating one of the most famous artworks in the world.
17. Roman Aqueducts Were Architectural Marvels
Ancient Roman aqueducts brought fresh water into the city from miles away using gravity alone.
18. Rome Has a Pyramid
The Pyramid of Cestius was built around 12 BC as a tomb for Gaius Cestius and is still standing in the city.
19. There’s an Underground City Beneath Rome
Rome has a vast network of tunnels and catacombs, some of which date back to ancient times.
20. The Roman Gladiators Were Celebrities
Gladiators, who fought in the Colosseum, were often treated like celebrities and were sometimes even sponsored by wealthy patrons.
21. The Mouth of Truth is an Ancient Lie Detector
Located in the Santa Maria in Cosmedin Church, the Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verità) was thought to bite the hands off liars.
22. Romans Invented the Calendar We Use Today
The modern calendar is based on the Julian calendar, named after Julius Caesar, and later refined by Pope Gregory XIII.
23. There Are More Churches in Rome Than Any Other City in the World
Rome has over 900 churches, ranging from small chapels to massive basilicas.
24. Rome Was the First City to Reach 1 Million Inhabitants
In the 1st century AD, Rome became the first city in history to reach a population of one million people.
25. The Tiber River Runs Through Rome
The city was built on the banks of the Tiber River, which is the third-longest river in Italy.
26. Rome’s Nickname ‘Caput Mundi’ Means Capital of the World
In ancient times, Rome was often referred to as the capital of the world due to its political and cultural influence.
27. The Vatican Library Holds Over 1.1 Million Books
The Vatican Library is one of the most extensive and ancient libraries in the world, with works dating back over 2,000 years.
28. The Roman Colosseum Could Hold 50,000 Spectators
The Colosseum was the largest amphitheater of its time and could accommodate massive crowds.
29. Romans Were Pioneers in Road Construction
The ancient Roman road system spanned over 250,000 miles and was key to the expansion of the Roman Empire.
30. Julius Caesar Was Assassinated in Rome
Julius Caesar, one of Rome’s most famous leaders, was assassinated on the Ides of March in 44 BC.
31. The Pantheon Has Been in Continuous Use for Almost 2,000 Years
The Pantheon, initially built as a temple to all gods, is now a Catholic church and remains in use today.
32. Rome Was Not Built in a Day
The famous phrase reflects the slow and deliberate development of the city’s infrastructure and culture.
33. The Roman Numerals We Use Today Were Created in Rome
The numeral system (I, V, X, etc.) originated in ancient Rome.
34. Rome is Known for its Gelato
Rome is home to some of the world’s best gelato, with shops throughout the city offering this Italian ice cream treat.
35. Ancient Romans Wore Togas as Formal Wear
The toga was a garment worn by Roman citizens, especially during important civic events.
36. Roman Soldiers Used to be Paid in Salt
The word “salary” comes from the Latin word salarium, referring to the payments made to Roman soldiers in salt.
37. The Trevi Fountain Took 30 Years to Build
Construction of the Trevi Fountain began in 1732 and wasn’t completed until 1762.
38. The Colosseum Had a Retractable Roof
The Colosseum had a retractable awning system, called the velarium, that protected spectators from the sun.
39. Nero’s Golden House Was a Lavish Palace
Emperor Nero built a massive palace in the heart of Rome, known as Domus Aurea, which was later buried under the city.
40. The Vatican Secret Archives Contain Some of the World’s Oldest Documents
Despite their name, the Vatican Secret Archives are not entirely secret and contain ancient manuscripts, letters, and historical documents.
41. Rome Hosted the First Modern Republic in 1849
Rome briefly became a republic during the 1849 Roman Republic before being restored to Papal rule.
42. Ancient Romans Practiced Dentistry
The Romans were advanced in dental care and used gold crowns and bridges.
43. The Colosseum Was Originally Named the Flavian Amphitheater
The Colosseum’s actual name is the Flavian Amphitheater, named after the Flavian dynasty.
44. Michelangelo Designed the Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica
Michelangelo, one of the greatest Renaissance artists, designed the iconic dome of St. Peter’s Basilica.
45. The Sistine Chapel Wasn’t Michelangelo’s First Choice
Michelangelo initially resisted painting the Sistine Chapel, as he considered himself more of a sculptor than a painter.
46. The Romans Invented Underfloor Heating
The Romans developed the hypocaust, an underfloor heating system used in Roman baths and homes.
47. Rome’s Traffic Circles Have Ancient Obelisks
Many of Rome’s traffic circles feature ancient Egyptian obelisks, which were brought to the city during the Roman Empire.
48. The Baths of Caracalla Could Hold 1,600 People
The massive public baths in Rome could accommodate thousands of people at once.
49. Rome’s Founders Were Raised by a Wolf
According to legend, Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome, were raised by a she-wolf.
50. You Can Find the World’s Oldest Operating Pharmacy in Rome
Located in the Trastevere neighborhood, the Santa Maria della Scala pharmacy has been operating since 1550.
The amazing history and culture of Rome are far more extensive than these 50 things can convey. Rome is a city of never-ending discovery since every street, structure, and landmark in the city has a distinct history.
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