From the start of the 8th century B.C., Rome thrived from being a small town found on Italy’s Tiber River into a great empire covering most of Britain, Europe, Western Asia, Northern America, and the Mediterranean islands. 

Many today want to know more about ancient Rome’s historical facts and take a journey back in time. 

Ancient Rome History Facts that will Fascinate Everyone

_{1. Ancient Rome is an Underground} 

Ever noticed why all ancient locations are so much lower than the street level? It’s mainly because, after centuries, the city piled up and built on top of a building. In fact, there are parts of ancient Rome that remain intact.

You could see a lot of houses, churches, mines, and aqueducts around Rome. The meters are under the ground level, which makes it unlikely for a modern city. However, there are already improvements in these unique barriers. 

_{2. Founded by 2 Brothers and Nursed by the She-Wolf}

Did you know that Rome was founded by the first king Romulus in 753 BC? Because of that, Rome thrived into a powerful and rich city. But wait, there’s more, as the King has a twin brother named Remus.

The twins were abandoned later after they were born. The she-wolf actually discovered them on the Tiber banks, who fed and took care of them. Many told that their story is a myth. 

The brothers later grew up and discovered a city. However, like any brothers, they also had arguments about who among them would be a great ruler of the city, of which Remus was slayed. That said, Romulus became the ruler and then named the city after himself as Rome. 

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_{3. Romans Eat Dormice and Other Weird Foods} 

Did you know that Romans used to eat dormice and some other weird foods like the Flamingo? 

Flamingos are common in Africa and could have lived in Italy during the early Romans. To some, a Flamingo is an animal. But to Ancient Romans, flamingos were food. In fact, it was eaten in Rome only by those who could afford it. 

It was also known that during the time of ancient Romans, a roasted “scarlet-wing” served on the table was a symbol of which Romans would flaunt they were rich. 

_{4. Romans Worshipped Many Gods and Goddesses} 

Ancient Romans had many gods and goddesses, of which had speciality. Venus was known as a goddess worshipped when Romans had problems in love. 

Janus was worshipped if there were any changes in life. Even emperors were worshipped as gods, and Romans had gods in other countries. 

_{5. Romans Eat Dinners while they Lie on Couches}

If you had been invited to a dinner party during Ancient Romans, you would see a room lined with couches instead of tables and chairs. The Romans used to have props on their left arms, and the right hand was used to bring food to their mouth. 

If you want to be like the ancient Romans, then perhaps try doing it, or convince your families and friends to try it. 

_{6. Romans Loved to Watch Battles} 

Most of the time, Romans would flock at Circus Maximus or the Colosseum for boat battles. In fact, the big boats with warriors who fought in the water, where were complete, like the alligators. 

Perhaps you can visit The Colosseum or the Circus Maximus and just imagine the entire thing filled with so much water. 

_{7. Ancient Rome was Covered in Graffiti}

Did you know that Roman graffiti will never be preserved if not because of environmental catastrophe? 

It was actually the eruption of Mount Vesuvius when Rome was covered with a blanket of ash. Even today, Rome is still covered in graffiti, though it’s usually scratched and not painted with color. 

With that, you should never miss the preserved graffiti of the gladiator in the Colosseum’s display cases. 

_{8. Vestal Virgins} 

Did you know that Vestal Virgins in Rome were chosen when they were about 10 years old? The virgins were actually brought to the temple, a place where they lived for the rest of their lives. 

In Ancient Rome, the vestal virgins were considered to be like priestesses. They guaranteed Rome’s sacred flame didn’t go out because it would not do well for the city if it did. They also presided over many of Rome’s religious rites. 

So, if you happen to visit Rome, never miss visiting the Vestal Virgins temple in the forum. You’ll understand how it stands out of all the statues lining the rectangle lawn. 

_{9. Romans Used Urine to Wash Clothes}

This may sound crazy, but it’s true!

Romans used urine to wash their clothes since urine contains ammonia, which is a powerful bleaching agent to wash clothes. 

In fact, in ancient Rome, many corners of the streets served as public urinal spots that men usually used. With that, their contents would then be collected daily and taken to the laundries. Can you imagine if you live in those times? 

_{10. Roman Bridges} 

How amazing is it to think that Roman bridges remain standing and operating these days? These bridges were built hundreds of years ago. 

The Alcantara Bridge, found over the Tagus River in Spain, is perhaps the most beautiful. The bridge was finished in 106 AD during the reign of Emperor Trajan. He actually said that he built a bridge that would last forever. And so, the bridge is still in use today. 

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Ancient Rome History Facts: Wrapping Up!

The Rome you see on the TV or the internet was not built in a day. As you look back, the history of ancient Rome may be long and complex. But when you see the way it is now, the city remains a wonder today. 

Now that you know ancient Rome’s history, you probably get more fascinated by it. So, if you want to visit Rome one day, never miss out on ancient Rome’s historic places and traditions.