In this article, you will find the most interesting facts about Rome – considered one of the oldest cities in Europe, it was founded on April 21st, 753 BC by the brothers Romulus and Remus. Throughout its history, this city has witnessed many supernatural phenomena, and interesting legends and facts abound about Rome.
Interesting facts about Rome:
- Every year on April 21st, Rome celebrates its birthday, often called the Eternal City, founded on April 21st, 753 BC by Romulus and Remus.
- Romans considered a hooked nose a sign of leadership and wisdom.
- La Sapienza, the main university in Rome, founded in 1303, is the largest and oldest university in Europe.
- Ancient Rome had a designated platform for discussing religion and politics.
- By the early 4th century, Romans constructed a road network spanning 53,000 miles.
- Approximately 700,000 euros in coins are tossed into the Trevi Fountain in Rome annually, donated to Caritas to help the needy.
- Roman women were not allowed to walk in public with uncovered heads.
- Due to a shortage of women in the early years after its founding, Romans abducted women from surrounding villages.
- The Roman Pantheon, built in 27 BC, is one of the few ancient Roman monuments almost intact today.
- The tradition of kissing at the end of weddings originated in Ancient Rome, symbolizing the sealing of a marriage contract.
- Ancient Rome had a population density eight times higher than modern New York City.
- Cats in Rome roam freely as they have a law allowing animals to live where they are born, often found peacefully in places like the Roman Arena or sleeping in forums.
- Many national museums, archaeological sites, art galleries, parks, and gardens in Rome can be visited for free on the first Sunday of each month.
- Rome features numerous small drinking fountains whose water remains safe as it is still transported through ancient aqueducts.
- Romans began shaking hands and greeting each other to show they were unarmed.
- Curiously, many ancient structures in Rome are deeply buried underground, as the city has grown several meters in height over the past two millennia.
- In some cases, the Roman army appealed to the gods of their enemies, attempting to win them over to their side.
- The opening day of the Colosseum was spectacular, with approximately 5,000 animals and a similar number of people killed.
- Roman emperors practiced ingesting minimal amounts of poison daily to build tolerance against potential future poisoning.
- In Ancient Rome, the term “familia” referred to a group of slaves belonging to a master.
- The Vatican in Rome hosts the world’s largest church, St. Peter’s Basilica.
- A church in Rome contains rooms adorned with monks’ bones, while others house full skeletons.
- The Roman legion was an organizational unit of the army consisting of 4,500 soldiers.