The Romans were an intriguing culture with incredible inventions and odd habits – from how they went to the bathroom to using mouse brains in medicine, here are 15 Roman Empire facts you may not know about!
After the death of a king, power would pass to the Senate; one member–known as an interrex–would assume control for five days with sole aim of finding a suitable replacement.
1. The Romans had a lot of gods
Romans believed that their gods were powerful forces that directly affected their lives, leading them to believe they needed to live good lives and pray frequently to keep things running smoothly. Their abundance of temples and shrines provided opportunities to connect with them during everyday activities as well as seeking their guidance during times of distress or tragedy.
People of these cultures believed that one’s fate was ultimately determined by gods; when something unfortunate occurred it could be blamed on one or another god; conversely if things went well it could be seen as a sign from an especially favorable god or goddess. Therefore keeping their gods pleased was of vital importance – so festivals were held each year to commemorate various gods and goddesses.
Romans would create shrines called larariums to commemorate specific deities within their homes, often including statues, gifts and prayer books for that god or goddess in question. One such lararium was known as Pantheon (Pan = All; theos = God); its original nickname being “Temple of All the Gods”.
Romans also enjoyed building huge public baths; in fact they pioneered modern spas and believed in Sana Per Aquum (health through water). These large complexes were popular with people of all ages, even kids and women; some featured special areas for them. Some even boasted special toilets which collected urine directly into Cloaca Maxima (one of the world’s first sewage systems) before selling it for laundry or tanning leather production.
2. They had a lot of animals
Romans kept many different animals – including exotic ones such as crocodiles and hippos. These exotic species were either imported from Africa and the Middle East, or hunted in circuses and amphitheatres for sport. But Romans also enjoyed watching birds and rabbits being killed for sport!
Romans had many different kinds of dogs too, from Molossus (similar to Neapolitan mastiffs) and lap dogs to larger breeds like the Molossus or Boulousus, like Neapolitan mastiffs. Romans loved their dogs as pets at home or used them hunting companions or guards; some art examples even show them off, like Pompeii’s famous mosaic sign with “cave canem”, beware of the dog.
Ancient Romans enjoyed keeping exotic fish in ponds and pools. Breams, flounders, soles, and mullets were popular species eaten as food. Romans also loved baths – complex swimming pool-sized spaces where you could relax while socializing at once! Even hot and cold pools existed so blood could circulate more efficiently!
Romans invented many innovations such as underfloor heating – which formed the basis for modern central heating – as well as aqueducts and sewer systems, concrete structures, newspapers, numbers, toilets, new warfare techniques, better roads, post, hairstyles and calendars! Additionally, the Roman Empire was so vast it could accommodate Alaska within it!
3. They ate a lot of meat
Roman upper class diets typically included meat as a staple food source, typically cooked through roasting or stewing and served with a sauce made of fermented fish extract known as garum. Oyster farming was particularly lucrative during these times; while bread (made from spelt, wheat or corn – sometimes given out by state dole for citizens), cheese and wine were other staples on rich dining tables.
Poor Romans and slaves ate diets consisting of vegetables and the staple porridge puls, along with millet (now considered suitable only for livestock feed), while other grains like spelt and barley were also consumed by them. Bone analysis has demonstrated this fact.
Romans also loved animals and would hunt wild ones such as lions, tigers and crocodiles for fun and profit. Additionally they kept exotic pets such as birds, ferrets and monkeys as pets.
Women had few rights in Rome and were heavily dependent on their fathers or husbands for caregiving responsibilities and household tasks, such as cleaning. Roman women could only access basic education. When wealthy, Romans enjoyed entertaining guests at dinner parties with dancers, poets and musicians performing live entertainment such as chariot races, plays or gladiator fights; additionally they often visited complex public baths with both hot and cold pools to stimulate circulation of blood through their system.
4. They had a lot of roads
Roman roads served a vital purpose: transporting goods and services across great distances, quickly gathering troops for defense or expansion purposes, and providing opportunities for military maneuvers. But creating and maintaining such an intricate network was no simple task; Roman engineers needed to be masterful planners in order to successfully manage it all.
Mensors (Roman equivalent of surveyors) would use milestones to mark out a path and clear away obstacles which stood in its way; this included felling trees and leveling out terrain.
Romans made sure their roads were well lit to allow use at night as well. When encountering rivers or mountains, they would either alter their route to bypass obstacles, build bridges or tunnels over them or divert to an alternative path altogether. They would also ensure their roads were well lit to allow for use at nighttime.
Romans had several methods for keeping their roads functioning efficiently: collecting tolls at bridges or the gates of cities; charging taxes for import/export goods as well as traveling citizens needing transportation between cities; and charging tolls/taxes on those using them. To maintain smooth service on their roads, Romans instituted tolls. They collected money at bridges or gates. Additionally, taxes were levied on import/export goods as well as traveling citizens needing transportation between cities.
5. They had a lot of servants
Romans traditionally relied heavily on servants to complete all kinds of tasks for them – this included cooking, cleaning, laundry and taking care of children.
Plebeians were Rome’s lower class population. Unfortunately, they were often treated inhumanely by upper-class individuals, leading to much violence in Rome itself. Life at that time could be very precarious – particularly during childbirth for women and younger children who could die due to diseases and accidents.
Gaining entry to the upper class was extremely challenging. You had to have been born into an elite family with money to invest, or work as an army officer or own businesses – both are likely routes into this group.
As soon as you become part of the upper class, a toga was worn to represent your status and wearer could receive an official purple stripe for senior members in Roman society.
The Romans were known for being quite violent people; however, they also created many useful inventions which we still rely on today. Examples include concrete, central heating systems, the foundation for modern democracy as well as newspapers, books and calendars. Furthermore they introduced many innovative warfare techniques as well as revolutionary hairstyles! Among their popular forms of entertainment was gladiator fights that often occurred at massive stadiums such as Colosseum.
6. They worshipped a lot of gods and goddesses
Romans had an abundance of gods and goddesses to worship. Temples and religious festivals provided worshippers an outlet to ask their chosen deities for help with agriculture, marriage and war matters as well as offer sacrificed animals as prayers were offered up in prayers to their respective deities.
Jupiter (king of all the gods), Juno (wife of all the gods) and Mars (god of war). Mars played such an integral part in Roman warfare that his month (which we know today as March) was named in his honour.
Most gods and goddesses were more regional or family specific. For instance, Diana (the Roman version of Artemis) was associated with wild animals and hunting while Ceres represented agriculture and prosperity while Janus represented doors and doorways – each playing an essential role to Roman society.
Romans were known for being superstitious people. They believed that god communicated with them through natural events called auguries and often sought guidance from Etruscan augurs to interpret such signs from nature. Death was often seen as punishment from above while those considered lucky in life were celebrated with triumph parades and street parties to honor their victories; especially among victorious generals or later only emperors.