Rome Facts: 34 Interesting Facts About Rome You Probably Didn’t Know
Want to learn more about the Eternal City? In this article, we’ll look at 34 interesting facts about Rome that may surprise you!
There’s a reason they say that all roads lead to Rome! The capital city of Italy has a rich cultural history, beautiful architecture, and museums, and truly some of the best Italian food in the world.
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Rome may be known as the Eternal City or even the city of Seven Hills but did you know that it wasn’t Italy’s first capital? And like this tidbit, there are so many fun facts about Rome you may not know!
From its history that dates back thousands of years, to architectural beauty, and more. So keep reading to find over 30 things to know about Rome!
Facts About Rome
1. Rome is the third capital of Italy
Though Rome has been at the centre of Italy’s defining moments and is known globally as Italy’s capital, it is, in fact, the third capital of the country.
The first capital was Turin, because at the time Rome didn’t fall inside the boundaries of Unified Italy.
However, since Turin was located in the North, it became vulnerable to control and attack, prompting a shift to Florence as the new capital as per an agreement signed by Napoleon III.
During the five years it was the capital, Florence changed dramatically with several parliamentary buildings built and historical structures demolished.
Ultimately, in 1870, Italian troops conquered Rome, making it the capital city from 1871 to date.
2. Rome was founded in 753 BC
It is believed that Rome was formed following a fight between twin brothers Romulus and Remus after which Romulus claimed the territory, giving the city its name, Rome.
3. It is the only city in the world to Have another country in its boundaries
Definitely one of the weirdest facts about Rome, if you visit the Eternal city, you’ll also get a chance to tick another country off your bucket list — the Vatican City.
The Vatican City is the smallest independent country and is considered the International headquarters for Catholics.
While in this “country”, be sure to check out the Vatican museums and the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s basilica, and more.
4. Rome is home to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
One of the more well-known facts about Rome is that it is home to one of the new seven wonders of the world — the Colosseum.
Considered an architectural and engineering masterpiece, it was used as an amphitheater for public events and more famously, gladiator battles.
One of Rome’s top tourist attractions, the ruins of the Colosseum continue to be significant for the Romans and visitors from the entire world.
5. Rome is also called Caput Mundi
Amongst its many nicknames, Rome is also called Caput Mundi. It is a Latin phrase that translates to “head of the world”, indicative of the way Rome was perceived by the world.
This name refers to Rome as the centre of the Catholic Church as well as the capital of the Republic and the Roman Empire.
6. Rome has more churches than any other city in the world
Rome tends to top several lists, one of which is having the most number of churches in the world.
Owing to the city’s connection and history with catholicism, the city is known to have over 900 churches!
Not only is the sheer number something to be excited about, but these include some of the most famous churches in the world including, St. Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel, and more.
7. It Was Home to the world’s first-ever shopping mall
Among the comprehensive list of things and practices that originated in Rome is the world’s first shopping mall.
It is believed that between 100 and 112 AD, the Roman emperor Trajan built the first-ever multi-story shopping complex with over 150 stores selling food, trinkets, clothes, offices, and more.
It was located at Trajan’s Forum in ancient Rome.
8. Cats ROAM freely in ROME
Unlike most European countries, cats are allowed to roam freely in Rome.
Protected by a law passed in 1991, no one is allowed to relocate cats from their habitats across the city. Today, there are over four thousand cat communes in the city.
9. Rome is known as the Eternal City
Another nickname for Rome is the Eternal City. It’s called this because ancient Romans had a belief that amidst several empires standing and falling, Rome would exist for eternity.
The nickname originates from the writings of the poet Tibullus who was the first to associate Rome with “Urbs Aeterna” in Latin which translates to Eternal City.
10. It is Home to an intricate road network
Another interesting fact about Rome is that the city is home to an elaborate road network that has been used as a model for several metropolitan cities today.
Originally built for military transportation, the paved routes in the city were significant for the military to reach several regions in time, especially in wartime.
Additionally, the roads were used extensively in ancient Rome for commerce and travel.
11. Gladiators were local celebrities in Ancient Rome
Gladiators were considered local celebrities in Ancient Rome with dolls and posters made and displayed of famous ones.
Owing to the popularity of the fights, victorious gladiators were very famous, rich and worshipped as the celebrities of the working class in Rome.
12. It Is Home to one of the most famous fountains in the world
Amongst many historical monuments, Rome is home to the Trevi Fountain, which is considered one of the most famous fountains in the world.
Built at the beginning of the 18th century, the fountain is made of travertine stone, the same material used for the Colosseum.
The fountain is famous for its beautiful sculptures and the myth that throwing in one coin will make you return to Rome, 2, you’ll fall in love with an Italian, and 3, you’ll marry the person you met.
13. Its historical centre is a World Heritage site
The historical centre of Rome was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980, owing to the sheer amount of historically significant monuments and landscapes within the city’s boundaries.
14. Rome’s Nasoni fountains provide free water To its people
If you’re looking for some unique facts about Rome, you might like this one! Interestingly, the city is home to over 2,500 drinking water fountains which are completely free for everyone!
The water in these Nasoni fountains is drawn from aqueducts that are used to supply water in residential houses across the city making it perfectly safe to drink.
15. On Rome’s birthday, the pantheon lights up
On Rome’s birthday, the 21st of April, the Pantheon, which could be considered the city’s crown jewel lights up!
Around noon on this day, the sun passes through the Pantheon’s Oculus lighting up the entire interior and the courtyard.
16. It is believed that the name “Rome” came from its founder, Romulus
Romans believed that their city was founded by Romulus. Although some consider it a myth, Romulus and his twin brother Remus were brought up in the region by a wolf after being abandoned.
As they grew older, a shepherd found them and decided to take them in. Eventually, the brothers fought, leading to Romulus killing Remus and becoming the first king of the city, hence the name “Rome”.
17. Romans used to have heating before central heating was a thing
If there are some interesting facts about the Romans that you must know, it’s that they used to enjoy central heating back in the day.
Believed to have existed as early as 350 BC, it is known today as Hypocast which heats up an open space with a fire to heat the floors above it.
18. In Ancient Rome, the mortality rate was higher than the birth rate
Amongst the many facts about Rome in Italy, it is worth noting that in Ancient Rome, much like most ancient societies, the mortality rate was higher than the birth rate.
It is believed that nearly a quarter of babies passed away in their first year of life, due to the high rate of infection and poor healthcare.
19. Rome was built on seven hills
Amongst its many nicknames, Rome is also called the city of Seven Hills and the reason for this is within the name itself.
This historically significant city was built on seven hills. The original city was constructed on Palatine Hill which offers a stunning view of the regions around it.
The other six are Capitoline, Quirinal, Esquiline, Caelian, Aventine, and Viminal.
20. Rome has the most catacombs of any city in the world
Of all the cities in the world, Rome has the most number of catacombs! According to discoveries, there are over 60 catacombs although just a few can be visited.
The Catacombs were formed because of the limited space to bury bodies, leading to these extensive underground graveyards.
21. Rome is the birthplace of law
The fact that Rome is the birthplace of law is bound to be a new fact for most!
Concepts of civil law as understood today are traced back to ancient Rome’s legal system which rested on the principles of complying with enacted laws and being subject to punishment if not.
The infamous Twelve Tables were written in ancient Rome as early as the 5th Century BC.
22. It’s been a major Christian pilgrimage site since the Middle Ages
Owing to the residency of the Pope in the Vatican, this region is significant due to the history that Jesus appointed Peter to be the leader of his disciples who is believed to have been the first Pope of Rome.
23. Rome is the third most visited city in Europe
It may not come as a surprise that Rome, the city that’s structured like an open-air museum is one of the most visited cities in the world.
Following major tourist destinations like London and Paris, the city sees over 10 million visitors annually!
24. The Roman numerals we still use were invented in Rome
Another fact about Rome you’re bound to know whether you’ve ever visited the city or not is that the famous Roman numerals (I, II, III, IV, V, X, L, and so on) were invented in Rome!
There are seven fundamental symbols whose combination makes numbers. These were developed to create a uniform method for communication and counting.
25. Rome is home to the largest number of ancient obelisks in the world
With several historical structures and sculptures, it is of no surprise that Rome is home to the largest collection of ancient obelisks in the world.
Out of the 30 ancient Obelisks that exist, the Eternal City has 13 which can be found all across the city.
26. It is home to the largest amphitheater in the world
Known famously as the Colosseum, this structure was a site of several unique public spectacles and gladiator fights before being damaged by earthquakes.
It is the largest amphitheatre that has ever been built, which is spectacular considering how old it is!
You can read more facts about the Colosseum here!
27. “Newspapers” were invented in Rome
I can’t talk about interesting facts about Rome without mentioning that Newspapers were invented in Rome.
Most scholars believe Acta Diurna, translated as Daily Doings which was published in 59 BCE to be the world’s first newspaper.
While there are no archives, the gazette was used to mention events, assembles as well births and obituaries.
Unlike today’s newspapers that are made of paper, the Acta Diurna were stones or metal where news and information was carved and dispalyed in public places.
28. A lot of Ancient Rome is still underground
While there’s so much to see on the surface, in reality, experts believe that this is merely a fraction of ancient Rome.
It is estimated that nearly 90 percent continues to be buried under street level or even further down.
29. Almost 3000 euros are thrown in the Trevi fountain every day
The famous Trevi Fountain which is one of the top tourist spots in the city sees over 3000 euros thrown into it every day as people follow the myth that throwing a coin in it will bring you back to Rome, throw 2 and you’ll fall in love with an Italian, and 3, you’ll marry the person you met.
The money is ultimately donated to charity and hopefully, the wishes are granted!
30. A man used to steal over 800 euros from the Trevi fountain every day for 34 years
If you were wondering if no one has ever stolen the money thrown into the Trevi fountain, this Rome fact will clear that for you.
There have been several thieves at the Trevi fountain but the most famous was Roberto Cercelletta commonly known as d’Artagnan by Romans.
He stole over 800 euros per day for 34 years before being caught in the summer of 2002.
31. There was a fire brigade in Ancient Rome
One of the most interesting ancient Romans facts is that among the many new developments they had, there was also a fire brigade.
Established back in 6 AD after a fire in Rome, Emperor Augustus Caesar formed The Vigiles, a group of ex-slaves that were trained to fight against fires.
32. The Romans had hundreds of Gods
You’d be surprised to know that the Roman Empire was polytheistic meaning that the Romans didn’t have just one but hundreds of gods several of which are mentioned in pop culture references today, like in the Heroes of Olympus series.
Some of the main gods and goddeses were Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva.
33. The largest stadium at the time was in Ancient Rome
Interestingly ancient Rome was also home to the biggest stadium at the time and it’s not the Colosseum.
Known as Circus Maximus, it is located between the Aventine and Palatine Hill. The arena was used for several activities like gladiator battles, chariot racing, and more.
34. Rome only became a part of Italy in 1870
One of the historical facts about Rome is that it only became a part of Italy in 1870.
The nation of Italy existed as a series of fragmented societies and territories before unification, also known as Risorgimento.
Originally, Rome was a part of the Papal states, which were under the rule of the Pope.
Following the capture of Rome under King Victor Emmanuel II, Rome was proclaimed the capital of Italy and integrated into the nation thereafter!
Final Thoughts on the Fun Facts About Rome
There you have it! I hope you enjoyed these facts about Rome as much as I enjoyed writing about them, and I hope they inspired you to finally book that trip to the Eternal City!
And if you know of other cool Rome facts that I may have missed, feel free to drop them in the comments below.
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