# data[].attributes.headline
Sometimes the Romans would flood the whole Colosseum or Circus Maximus for a boat battle. ...

# data[].attributes.subject
Sometimes the Romans would flood the whole Colosseum or Circus Maximus for a boat battle. ...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
1

The seating capacity of the main venues formed a 'rough and ready' index of the popularity of the different public shows in Rome. The arena for gladiatorial combat, the Colosseum - known in antiquity as the Flavian Amphitheatre - was huge. Modern archaeologists estimate that it could accommodate 50,000 people. One ancient source put the number even higher, at 87,000.

Yet it was dwarfed by the Circus Maximus, where some 250,000 could watch chariot racing. Despite the popularity of pantomime (closer to our ballet than modern panto), theatrical shows came off a poor third. The largest theatre in Rome, that of Marcellus, could hold a mere 20,500.

2

In almost all 'swords and sandals' movies and novels, when a galley [a large ship propelled primarily by rowing] appears, we hear the clank of slaves' chains and the crack of the overseer's whip. Both are completely anachronistic: the Romans, like the Greeks, had an ideology that we call 'civic militarism'. It was believed that if you were a citizen you had a duty to fight for your state, and conversely if you fought you were entitled to political rights.

This excluded the use of slave rowers, or slave soldiers like those of medieval Islam. In the handful of exceptional times when slaves were admitted to the armed forces, they were either freed before enlistment, or promised manumission if they performed well in battle.

3

The average life expectancy - although all such figures are uncertain - was only about 25. However, this did not mean that no one lived into their thirties or on into old age. The average was skewed by the number of women who died giving birth, and by high infant mortality. If a Roman made it to maturity, they were likely to live as long as people in the modern western world.

4

Like us, the Romans divided the day into 24 hours. But unlike us, their hours varied in length. For the Romans there were always 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness. Thus, for example, a daylight hour in high summer was considerably longer than one in midwinter.

5

Stretching from the Atlantic to the Tigris, the Roman empire contained perhaps about 65 million inhabitants. While Latin was the language of the army and of Roman law, many peoples incorporated into the empire continued to speak their native tongue, either as well as, or, especially in the countryside, instead of Latin. Thus variants of Celtic and Syriac, and more obscure languages such as Cappadocian and Thracian, survived.

The Roman elite was bilingual. For them, knowledge of Greek was a badge of status - as such it was similar to French for aristocrats across Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries. So internalised was the Roman usage, when the senators assassinated Julius Caesar, some shouted out not in Latin, but Greek.

6

The empire produced eminent philosophers such as Seneca and Marcus Aurelius. Yet some Romans were hostile to philosophy for two main reasons: first, it was a Greek invention, and the Greeks were a conquered race - Roman attitudes to the Greeks were very mixed. Second, the study of philosophy, with its hair-splitting definitions and its concentration on the inner man, could be considered to unfit a man for an active life that would serve the state.

The latter view had long been held by some Greeks. Galen, the doctor to the imperial court, remarked that the Romans regarded philosophy as being of no more use than drilling holes in millet seeds.

7

The great French scholar Paul Veyne said that the Romans were paralysed by sexual inhibitions. While that might be going too far, there were strict limits to socially acceptable behaviour: after the wedding night, for example, a modest Roman wife should not let her husband see her naked again. Consequently, it might be no surprise that those philosophers who argued that a man should not have sex with anyone but his wife, not even with his slaves, won few converts.

8

Although in art they liked to be depicted in heroic and martial posture, Roman generals were 'battle managers', not warriors. Only in the most exceptional circumstances were they expected to fight hand-to-hand. If a battle was lost, the commander should draw his sword and either turn it on himself, or seek an honourable death at the hands of the enemy. Not until Maximinus Thrax (who reigned from AD235 to 238) was an emperor recorded as fighting in the line of battle.

9

From the end of the first century AD, Roman emperors had adopted the daily habit of taking a small amount of every known poison in an attempt to gain immunity. The mixture was known as the Mithridatium, after the originator of the practice, Mithridates the Great, king of Pontus (who reigned from c120 to 65BC).

A drinking vessel made from the horn of the one-horned horses or donkeys, believed by the Romans to have lived in India, was thought to be an antidote to fatal poisons.

10

The Romans believed their empire rested on the Pax Deorum: if the Romans did right by the pagan gods, those deities would do right by them. Christians, on the other hand, either claimed the pagan gods were evil demons, or denied they existed at all. If the Romans allowed such atheists to propagate their beliefs, it was little wonder that the gods were angered and withheld their favour from Rome.
Harry Sidebottom is a lecturer in ancient history at Lincoln College, Oxford, and author of the Warrior of Rome and Throne of the Caesars series of novels.
Usually, Roman persecutors gave Christians every chance to acknowledge the traditional gods, and thus avoid martyrdom. Of course, a committed Christian could not offer such false idols even a pinch of incense, or say the necessary ritual words.

This article was first published on History Extra in March 2015

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
10 things you (probably) didn't know about the Romans

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Romans are remembered for conquering vast territories, inventing underfloor heating and developing a vast network of roads. But how much do you know about them? What language did they speak? How were slaves treated throughout the empire? And was gladiator fighting in Ancient Rome really as popular as modern movies and novels portray it to be?

# data[].attributes.headline
Emperors poisoned themselves every dayFrom the end of the first century AD, Roman emperors had adopted the daily habit of taking a small amount of every known poison in an attempt to gain immunity. The mixture was known as the Mithridatium, after the originator of the practice, Mithridates the Great, king of Pontus (who reigned from c120 to 65BC).A drinking vessel made from the horn of the one-horned horses or donkeys, believed by the Romans to have lived in India, was thought to be an antidote to fatal poisons.

# data[].attributes.subject
Emperors poisoned themselves every dayFrom the end of the first century AD, Roman emperors had adopted the daily habit of taking a small amount of every known poison in an attempt to gain immunity. The mixture was known as the Mithridatium, after the originator of the practice, Mithridates the Great, king of Pontus (who reigned from c120 to 65BC).A drinking vessel made from the horn of the one-horned horses or donkeys, believed by the Romans to have lived in India, was thought to be an antidote to fatal poisons.

# data[].attributes.body
click on it. it's crazy.

# data[].attributes.body
The average life expectancy – although all such figures are uncertain – was only about 25. However, this did not mean that no one lived into their thirties or on into old age. The average was skewed by the number of women who died giving birth, and by high infant mortality. If a Roman made it to maturity, they were likely to live as long as people in the modern western world.

# data[].attributes.body
Romans used to eat dormice and other weird foods like flamingo.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Ready for a journey back in time? Here at Nat Geo Kids, we're about to get the lowdown on this amazing civilisation with our fab facts about the Romans!
Article continues below...

Facts about the Romans

1) Rome was founded in 753BC by its first king, Romulus. It grew into a rich and powerful city during the next few hundred years.

2) By AD 117 the Roman Empire included the whole of Italy, all the lands around the Mediterranean and much of Europe, including England, Wales and parts of Scotland.

Did you know that we have a FREE downloadable Romans primary resource? Great for teachers, homeschoolers and parents alike!

3) Roman legend says that Romulus had a twin brother called Remus. As babies they were abandoned in the area which later became Rome. A she-wolf found and raised them, but when they grew up, Romulus fought and killed Remus and became the first ruler of Rome!

4) The Romans built such a huge empire and conquered new lands, thanks to their strong army. The Roman army could march up to 40km a day!

5) During battle, a Roman soldier or 'legionary' first hurled his spear at the enemy, then he fought him with his sword. To protect himself, he carried a wooden shield and wore a metal helmet and armour.

6) The Romans didn't spend all their time fighting - they were amazing architects and engineers too! They built roads and walls - things we now take for granted.

7) To bring water to their cities, the clever Romans built aqueducts - a system of channels and bridges - to transport water for public baths and toilets!

8) The Romans liked to enjoy their food, often lying down on a couch while eating with their hands. They occasionally used a spoon, but they would never use a knife and fork. Rich Romans liked to eat exotic food, such as stork, roast parrot and even flamingo!

9) The Romans believed in gods and goddesses who ruled over different areas of life. For example, Neptune was the god of the ocean, and they prayed to him to protect them at sea. Temples were built to honour the gods, and people would visit them with offerings.

10) One of the most famous buildings left by the Ancient Romans is the Colosseum - a huge ampitheatre in the centre of Rome. This is where members of the public would come to watch sporting events and games, including battles between Roman gladiators!

11) Tunics - two pieces of woollen fabric sewn together at the sides and shoulders, with openings for your arms and head - were the most common clothes in Rome. Some Romans also wore togas - a kind of woollen shawl - to show how wealthy they were.

Love learning about Rome? Check out even more amazing facts about Italy, here!

Photos: Getty Images UK

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
10 facts about the Ancient Romans | National Geographic Kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Join us here at Nat Geo Kids as we check out 10 top facts about the Romans! Discover when Rome was founded, what the Romans built, what they wore & more...

# data[].attributes.body
roman

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Facts about Romans for Kids - Roman Britain Homework help

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Information, photographs and facts on Roman life in Britain for kids - including Roman food, Roman clothing and a large section on Roman soldiers.

# data[].attributes.body
A Nice Dinner Consisted Of Pig's Womb, Mashed Brains, And Stuffed Dormice

# data[].attributes.headline
I'm not sure if its true but ; In the 1st century AD, polar bears fought seals in Roman amphitheaters flooded with water.

# data[].attributes.subject
I'm not sure if its true but ; In the 1st century AD, polar bears fought seals in Roman amphitheaters flooded with water.

# data[].attributes.headline
The language we used today was developed from the Romans. The Romans spoke and wrote in Latin and many of our words are based on Latin words.

# data[].attributes.subject
The language we used today was developed from the Romans. The Romans spoke and wrote in Latin and many of our words are based on Latin words.

# data[].attributes.body
Forget Toilet Paper; They Had Sponge On A Stick

# data[].attributes.headline
Roman Gladiators rarely fought to the death or against animals and were considered celebrities of their time.

# data[].attributes.subject
Roman Gladiators rarely fought to the death or against animals and were considered celebrities of their time.

# data[].attributes.headline
Ancient Greeks and Romans often bought slaves with salt.

# data[].attributes.subject
Ancient Greeks and Romans often bought slaves with salt.

# data[].attributes.headline
The Romans came to Britain nearly 2000 years ago

# data[].attributes.subject
The Romans came to Britain nearly 2000 years ago

# data[].attributes.body
Forget Toilet Paper; They Had Sponge On A Stick

# data[].attributes.body
eagle

# data[].attributes.headline
Education was very important to the Ancient Romans. ... While the poor in Ancient Rome did not receive a formal education, many still learned to read and write. Children from rich families, however, were well schooled and were taught by a private tutor at home or went to what we would recognise as schools.

# data[].attributes.subject
Education was very important to the Ancient Romans. ... While the poor in Ancient Rome did not receive a formal education, many still learned to read and write. Children from rich families, however, were well schooled and were taught by a private tutor at home or went to what we would recognise as schools.

# data[].attributes.headline
Romans used to eat dormice and other weird foods like flamingo.

# data[].attributes.subject
Romans used to eat dormice and other weird foods like flamingo.

# data[].attributes.headline
people who were noughty were wigh to death.

# data[].attributes.subject
people who were noughty were wigh to death.

# data[].attributes.headline
more than 400,000 people died inside the Colosseum. It's also guesed that about 1,000,000 animals died in the Colosseum as well.

# data[].attributes.subject
more than 400,000 people died inside the Colosseum. It's also guesed that about 1,000,000 animals died in the Colosseum as well.

# data[].attributes.headline
The inhabitants of ancient Rome had a sewer goddess, a toilet god, and a god of excrement.

# data[].attributes.subject
The inhabitants of ancient Rome had a sewer goddess, a toilet god, and a god of excrement.

# data[].attributes.headline
The first Roman city was Camulodunum also called Colonia Vitricencis. (We know it by the name of Colchester.) It was the seat of Roman power and governance of Brittania until sacked during the Boudiccan revolt. London was then established as a seat of governance, and only became important after the Camulodunum event.

# data[].attributes.subject
The first Roman city was Camulodunum also called Colonia Vitricencis. (We know it by the name of Colchester.) It was the seat of Roman power and governance of Brittania until sacked during the Boudiccan revolt. London was then established as a seat of governance, and only became important after the Camulodunum event.

# data[].attributes.headline
rich people where fat and poor people where thin

# data[].attributes.subject
rich people where fat and poor people where thin

# data[].attributes.headline
In ancient Rome, it was considered a sign of leadership to be born with a crooked nose.

# data[].attributes.subject
In ancient Rome, it was considered a sign of leadership to be born with a crooked nose.

# data[].attributes.headline
Ancient Romans celebrated "Saturnalia", a festival in which slaves and their masters would switch places.

# data[].attributes.subject
Ancient Romans celebrated "Saturnalia", a festival in which slaves and their masters would switch places.

# data[].attributes.headline
Roman children had some toys very like ones we play with today - such as toy soldiers, rattles, balls, doll's houses, carts and pull-along animals on wheels. Even poor children had board games, using pebbles for counters, and wooden dolls. Some dolls had moveable arms and legs.

# data[].attributes.subject
Roman children had some toys very like ones we play with today - such as toy soldiers, rattles, balls, doll's houses, carts and pull-along animals on wheels. Even poor children had board games, using pebbles for counters, and wooden dolls. Some dolls had moveable arms and legs.

# data[].attributes.body
80% of children died before 10 years old

# data[].attributes.headline
Up to half of all Roman kids died before the age of 10. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Up to half of all Roman kids died before the age of 10. 

# data[].attributes.headline
Life expectancy in Ancient Rome was from 20 to 30 years.

# data[].attributes.subject
Life expectancy in Ancient Rome was from 20 to 30 years.

# data[].attributes.headline
Up to half of all Roman kids died before the age of 10. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Up to half of all Roman kids died before the age of 10. 

# data[].attributes.body
Roman legend says that Romulus had a twin brother called Remus. As babies they were abandoned in the area which later became Rome. A she-wolf found and raised them, but when they grew up, Romulus fought and killed Remus and became the first ruler of Rome!

4) The Romans built such a huge empire and conquered new lands, thanks to their strong army. The Roman army could march up to 40km a day!

5) During battle, a Roman soldier or ‘legionary’ first hurled his spear at the enemy, then he fought him with his sword. To protect himself, he carried a wooden shield and wore a metal helmet and armour.

6) The Romans didn’t spend all their time fighting – they were amazing architects and engineers too! They built roads and walls – things we now take for granted.

7) To bring water to their cities, the clever Romans built aqueducts – a system of channels and bridges – to transport water for public baths and toilets!

8) The Romans liked to enjoy their food, often lying down on a couch while eating with their hands. They occasionally used a spoon, but they would never use a knife and fork. Rich Romans liked to eat exotic food, such as stork, roast parrot and even flamingo!

9) The Romans believed in gods and goddesses who ruled over different areas of life. For example, Neptune was the god of the ocean, and they prayed to him to protect them at sea. Temples were built to honour the gods, and people would visit them with offerings

# data[].attributes.headline
a Roman girl would use gadiator's swet as make up 

# data[].attributes.subject
a Roman girl would use gadiator's swet as make up 

# data[].attributes.headline
Life expectancy in Ancient Rome was from 20 to 30

# data[].attributes.subject
Life expectancy in Ancient Rome was from 20 to 30

# data[].attributes.body
By AD 117 the Roman Empire included the whole of Italy, all the lands around the Mediterranean and much of Europe, including England, Wales and parts of Scotland.

# data[].attributes.body
6 odd facts and old fact

# data[].attributes.headline
The ancient romans worshipped a lot of different god and goddesses

# data[].attributes.subject
The ancient romans worshipped a lot of different god and goddesses

# data[].attributes.body
they drank gladdiatos blood

# data[].attributes.body
Rome was founded in 753BC by its first king, Romulus. It grew into a rich and powerful city during the next few hundred years

# data[].attributes.headline
 The Romans believed eyelashes fell out from excessive s*x, so women would use cosmetics to make their eyelashes look fuller and longer to demonstrate their chastity.

# data[].attributes.subject
 The Romans believed eyelashes fell out from excessive s*x, so women would use cosmetics to make their eyelashes look fuller and longer to demonstrate their chastity.

# data[].attributes.headline
In the early days, Rome was ruled by kings. Romulus was supposedly the first king. The last king was Tarquin the Proud. He ruled until 509BC, when the people of Rome drove him out.

# data[].attributes.subject
In the early days, Rome was ruled by kings. Romulus was supposedly the first king. The last king was Tarquin the Proud. He ruled until 509BC, when the people of Rome drove him out.

# data[].attributes.headline
Romans came to Britain nearly 2000 years ago and changed our country. Even today, evidence of the Romans being here, can be seen in the ruins of Roman buildings, forts, roads, and baths can be found all over Britain.

# data[].attributes.subject
Romans came to Britain nearly 2000 years ago and changed our country. Even today, evidence of the Romans being here, can be seen in the ruins of Roman buildings, forts, roads, and baths can be found all over Britain.

# data[].attributes.headline
Roman history has been among the most influential to the modern world, from supporting the tradition of the rule by law to influencing the American Founding Fathers to the creation of the Catholic church. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Roman history has been among the most influential to the modern world, from supporting the tradition of the rule by law to influencing the American Founding Fathers to the creation of the Catholic church. 

# data[].attributes.headline
In ancient Rome, Julius Caesar was pronounced as YOO-lee-us KYE-sahr.

# data[].attributes.subject
In ancient Rome, Julius Caesar was pronounced as YOO-lee-us KYE-sahr.

# data[].attributes.headline
Paris was a Roman City called Lutetia (not anymore)

# data[].attributes.subject
Paris was a Roman City called Lutetia (not anymore)

# data[].attributes.headline
The war between Romans and Persians lasted for an unbelievable 721 years!!!!

# data[].attributes.subject
The war between Romans and Persians lasted for an unbelievable 721 years!!!!

# data[].attributes.body
Only the rich could wear purple
The Roman military leaders didn't fight.

# data[].attributes.body
The Romans drank gladiators' blood.

# data[].attributes.headline
If ancient Rome's Colosseum was built today it would cost about $380 million

# data[].attributes.subject
If ancient Rome's Colosseum was built today it would cost about $380 million

# data[].attributes.body
Eagles

# data[].attributes.body
Ancient Romans used a sponge on a stick to clean themselves after pooping, and shared it with everyone.

# data[].attributes.body
The Romans are remembered for conquering vast territories, inventing underfloor heating and developing a vast network of roads. But how much do you know about them? What language did they speak? How were slaves treated throughout the empire? And was gladiator fighting in Ancient Rome really as popular as modern movies and novels portray it to be?

# data[].attributes.headline
The Roman Empire was not the largest empire in history. It was only the 28th largest.

# data[].attributes.subject
The Roman Empire was not the largest empire in history. It was only the 28th largest.

# data[].attributes.headline
girls and boys showered together in Rome

# data[].attributes.subject
girls and boys showered together in Rome

# data[].attributes.headline
The flash point for the wars was the island of Sicily

# data[].attributes.subject
The flash point for the wars was the island of Sicily

# data[].attributes.body
roman toilet

# data[].attributes.body
10. Romans used to wash clothes in urine!

Because urine contains ammonia, a powerful bleaching agent, ancient Romans used to wash their clothes in pee! At many street corners there were public urinals that men could use and their contents were collected every day and brought to the laundries

# data[].attributes.headline
The roman empire conqured most of Europe but never made it to Ireland 

# data[].attributes.subject
The roman empire conqured most of Europe but never made it to Ireland 

# data[].attributes.body
the roman empire in was a expanding empile

# data[].attributes.body
open plz

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Factslides a high traffic content website (over 1 million visits / month) that takes relevant and complex information from NGOs, think tanks, journals, specialized magazines and media and converts it into colorful and animated slideshows that are easy and fun to read, making the information accessible to students, teachers and curious minds for fun, research, lesson planning, and homework.

Factslides is dedicated to provide well-sourced and verified information that will help young people access the information and critical thinking skills they need to make our world a better place.

Launched in July, 2013, it has shown its facts over 1000 million times, and was selected among the Top 100 websites of 2013 by the prestigious PC Magazine, and as one of the 99 Sites That Every Professional Should Know About by BusinessInsider. It was also featured in sites such as The Awesomer, Design Taxi, I-Am-Bored.com, Neatorama, and DONG, a YouTube show with over a million subscribers.

How do I know your facts are credible? All facts are verified and well sourced. The source URL is located at the bottom of each fact.

Can I use your facts on my site / video / whatever? You sure can. Just be sure to include a link back to FACTSlides.com as your source.

I found a mistake or have a suggestion! What should I do? Contact us!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
55 Facts about Ancient Rome ←FACTSlides→

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Factslides a high traffic content website (over 1 million visits / month) that takes relevant and complex information from NGOs, think tanks, journals, specialized magazines and media and converts it into colorful and animated slideshows that are easy and fun to read, making the information accessible to students, teachers and curious minds for fun, research, lesson planning, and homework.

# data[].attributes.body
The Ancient Romans worshipped a lot of different gods and goddesses.

# data[].attributes.headline
 Ancient Romans worshipped a lot of different gods and goddesses.

# data[].attributes.subject
 Ancient Romans worshipped a lot of different gods and goddesses.

# data[].attributes.body
Romans used to wash clothes in urine!

# data[].attributes.body
Ancient Romans celebrated "Saturnalia", a festival in which slaves and their masters would switch places.

# data[].attributes.body
The Roman Empire (Latin: Imperium Rōmānum, Classical Latin: [ɪmˈpɛ.ri.ũː roːˈmaː.nũː]; Koine and Medieval Greek: Βασιλεία τῶν Ῥωμαίων, tr. Basileia tōn Rhōmaiōn) was the post-Roman Republic period of the ancient Roman civilization, with a government headed by emperors and large territorial holdings around the Mediterranean Sea in Europe, Africa and Asia. The city of Rome was the largest city in the world c. 100 BC – c. AD 400, with Constantinople (New Rome) becoming the largest around AD 500,[5][6] and the Empire's population grew to an estimated 50 to 90 million inhabitants (roughly 20% of the world's population at the time).[n 7][7] The 500-year-old republic which preceded it had been severely destabilized in a series of civil wars and political conflict, during which Julius Caesar was appointed as perpetual dictator and then assassinated in 44 BC. Civil wars and executions continued, culminating in the victory of Octavian, Caesar's adopted son, over Mark Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium in 31 BC and the annexation of Egypt. Octavian's power was then unassailable and in 27 BC the Roman Senate formally granted him overarching power and the new title Augustus, effectively marking the end of the Roman Republic.

# data[].attributes.body
The Romans built aqueducts throughout their Republic and then in the Empire, to bring water from external sources to cities and towns.

# data[].attributes.body
7. Romans used to eat dormice and other weird foods like flamingo

# data[].attributes.headline
Rome was founded by two brothers nursed by a she-wolf. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Rome was founded by two brothers nursed by a she-wolf. 

# data[].attributes.body
The Romans once filled the Colosseum with water to perform an epic mock sea battle. Talk about the myriad ideas for entertainment.

# data[].attributes.body
The Ancient Rome civilization began on the Italian Peninsula as early as the 8th century BC

# data[].attributes.headline
The word cereal comes from the Roman goddess Ceres.

# data[].attributes.subject
The word cereal comes from the Roman goddess Ceres.