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Knowing fun facts about Roman Empire makes history come alive with amazing stories and achievements! The Roman Empire was home to incredible architecture, a powerful army, and fascinating traditions. From building massive aqueducts to hosting gladiator battles in the Colosseum, the Romans were famous innovators who shaped the world. Did you know that it is believed that Rome was the first city in the world to record a population of 1 million? Here are some more fun facts about the Roman Empire you should know as students to improve your general knowledge.
Table of Contents
- 1 1. Rome was founded by Romulus in 753 BC
- 2 2. The Roman Empire spanned three Continents
- 3 3. The Romans wore Togas to show their status
- 4 4. Roman soldiers had unique battle tactics
- 5 5. St. Peter’s Basilica is the tallest building in Rome
- 6 6. Rich Romans ate exotic foods
- 7 7. Rome has more churches than any other city
- 8 8. Ancient Rome was full of colour
- 9 9. Romans worshipped many Gods and Goddesses
- 10 10. The Roman calendar inspired our modern one
- 11 11. Romans washed clothes using Urine!
- 12 12. Romans invented underfloor heating
- 13 FAQs
1. Rome was founded by Romulus in 753 BC
According to legend, Romulus founded Rome in 753 BC after defeating his twin brother, Remus. This marked the beginning of one of history’s greatest civilisations, which grew into a powerful and wealthy city over the centuries.
2. The Roman Empire spanned three Continents
By AD 117, the Roman Empire controlled Italy, the Mediterranean, and much of Europe, including parts of Britain. This massive empire shows how organised and skilled the Romans were at expanding their territory.
3. The Romans wore Togas to show their status
Togas were more than just clothing in Ancient Rome. Instead, they were a sign of rank. However, not everyone wore them, and certainly not daily! Important people had purple stripes, and only the Emperor wore a fully purple toga.
4. Roman soldiers had unique battle tactics
In battles, Roman soldiers first threw spears to disarm enemies before attacking with swords. They were also well-protected with wooden shields, metal helmets, and body armour, showcasing their strategic skills.
5. St. Peter’s Basilica is the tallest building in Rome
St. Peter’s Basilica, with its 136.6-meter-high dome, remains the tallest building within ancient Rome’s city walls. Modern skyscrapers outside the walls exist, but no building inside surpasses this iconic structure.
6. Rich Romans ate exotic foods
Roman meals were unique! They often ate lying on couches and enjoyed exotic dishes like flamingos, storks, and parrots. Their dining habits reflect their love for luxury and creativity in food.
7. Rome has more churches than any other city
Rome is home to over 900 churches, more than any city worldwide! Within the ancient city walls alone, there are over 300. As the centre of Christendom, many of its iconic basilicas date back to Emperor Constantine’s reign in the 4th century.
8. Ancient Rome was full of colour
Forget plain white statues—ancient Rome was vibrant! Statues and columns were painted with bold colours. Trade routes brought sought-after pigments like lapis lazuli (blue) from Egypt and Afghanistan and purple dye, reserved for elites.
9. Romans worshipped many Gods and Goddesses
The Romans believed in gods and goddesses who governed different parts of life. For example, Neptune, the god of the sea, was worshipped for safe sea voyages. Temples were built for these deities, where people offered prayers and gifts.
10. The Roman calendar inspired our modern one
Julius Caesar introduced the Julian calendar in 46 BC after being inspired by Egypt’s solar calendar. This version included 365 days and a leap year every four years. Did you know July was originally called Quintilius until it was renamed to honour Caesar?
11. Romans washed clothes using Urine!
Romans used ammonia to clean clothes—and got it from urine! Public pots collected it, and laundries called fullonica used the liquid to deep-clean garments. Emperor Vespasian even taxed urine, coining the famous phrase, “Money doesn’t smell.”
12. Romans invented underfloor heating
The Romans were ahead of their time with a heating system called the hypocaust. Hot air from a furnace flowed under floors through terracotta pipes to warm homes and baths. You can still see the remains of this system under the Palatine Hill!
FAQs
One interesting fact about the Roman Empire is that it was one of the largest in history, spanning over three continents, including Europe, Asia, and Africa, and lasting for nearly 1,500 years.
The 5 interesting facts about the Roman Republic include that it lasted from 509 BCE to 27 BCE, introduced elected leaders called consuls, developed the Senate, had a constitution, used the Twelve Tables as laws, and laid the foundation for modern governance.
One surprising fact about Rome is that it surrounds an independent country, Vatican City, which is the smallest nation-state globally and home to the Pope.
One special fact about the Roman Empire is that Romans had a powerful army. They were exceptionally well in the applied arts of law, government, city planning, and statecraft. Moreover, if they didn’t invent something, they copied and adapted from others.
Rome is famous for iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Vatican City, and Sistine Chapel, its ancient history, vibrant culture, and delicious food like pasta and gelato.
The last king of Rome was Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, known as Tarquin the Proud, overthrown in 509 BCE, leading to the Roman Republic.
One interesting fact about the Roman Empire for kids is that the soldiers could march up to 40 km daily, carrying heavy gear. Its official languages were Latin and Greek, and it spanned nearly two million square miles.
Interesting Reads
Hope you enjoy reading these amazing fun facts about Roman Empire. If you want to know more about topics like this, then visit our Interesting Facts and General Knowledge page!