Romans Had Concrete That Lasted for Centuries
The Romans were master builders, and their use of concrete is one reason their structures still stand today. Roman concrete, or opus caementicium, was made with volcanic ash, lime, and seawater, which created a chemical reaction that strengthened the material over time. This concrete was used in aqueducts, temples, and the Pantheon, whose dome remains the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world. Incredibly, the Roman recipe has proven more durable than modern concrete, resisting erosion and even strengthening in seawater.
Romans Loved Heated Floors
Romans were known for their luxurious baths, but they didn’t stop there; they even invented underfloor heating, called the hypocaust system, which was used in baths and private homes of the wealthy. The system involved raising floors on pillars with a space beneath for hot air to circulate, keeping rooms warm in the winter months. This technology was an impressive feat for the time and shows the Roman dedication to comfort and luxury.
Ancient Rome Was Incredibly Diverse
The Roman Empire extended over three continents—Europe, Asia, and Africa—making Rome a melting pot of cultures, languages, and religions. People from all over the empire came to live and work in Rome, and many were granted citizenship. Evidence shows that people of various ethnicities held important roles, from soldiers to senators, showing how Romans were remarkably inclusive, integrating people from different backgrounds into Roman life.
Public Toilets Were a Social Hub
Roman public baths are famous, but public toilets were also widespread, and they weren’t a place for privacy. Public latrines were communal spaces with rows of seats, often without dividers. While it might seem strange today, Romans would socialize in these facilities, catching up on news or discussing business. Public toilets even had a shared sponge on a stick, called a tersorium, which was used as toilet paper—an example of hygiene practices that were innovative for the time.
Romans Practiced Early Forms of Plastic Surgery
The Romans were pioneers in medicine and surgery, with doctors capable of performing procedures that were advanced for their time. Roman surgeons performed plastic surgeries, especially for soldiers injured in battle. Procedures such as nose reconstructions and the repair of facial injuries were detailed in medical texts of the time. Surgeons also used anesthesia in some cases, using herbs like opium and henbane to relieve pain, a surprisingly sophisticated approach.
Roman Women Had More Rights Than Many Realize
While Ancient Rome was largely patriarchal, Roman women had more freedom than is commonly thought. Wealthy women could own property, inherit wealth, and run businesses. Some women held considerable influence over political affairs, especially as mothers or wives of emperors. While women were not allowed to vote or hold public office, they were active in social and economic life and could even initiate divorce. These freedoms were especially progressive compared to other ancient societies.
Roman Soldiers Built Roads and Infrastructure
Roman roads were engineering marvels, spanning over 250,000 miles across the empire. But did you know that soldiers often did the building? When they weren’t fighting, Roman soldiers would construct roads, bridges, and forts, which helped secure the empire’s borders and facilitate communication and trade. The phrase “All roads lead to Rome” reflects the importance of these roads, which enabled the empire to maintain control over vast territories and ensured that supplies, news, and armies could move efficiently.
They Had a Complex Postal System
Rome had an extensive postal system called the cursus publicus, which served as a network for government and military correspondence. Couriers would travel along the empire’s roads, using horses and relay stations to cover distances quickly. The system included waystations with fresh horses, messengers, and inns where officials could stay. This postal network allowed for remarkably fast communication across the empire, allowing orders and updates to travel from Rome to distant provinces with surprising efficiency.
Gladiators Were Celebrities
While gladiators were mostly slaves or criminals, many became famous and idolized. The best fighters gained celebrity status, with fans writing graffiti to support them, sometimes even asking for autographs. Wealthy patrons would sponsor gladiators, and some fighters were treated with surprising admiration and respect. Their lives weren’t easy, but top gladiators enjoyed privileges and popularity. Some were even freed if they fought well enough, and a few successful gladiators could earn significant wealth by the standards of their time.
Romans Used Magic and Superstition Daily
Despite their advancements, Romans were highly superstitious and relied on rituals and magic to ward off bad luck or ensure success. They believed in omens, curses, and spells, and consulted fortune-tellers before major decisions. Amulets, charms, and curse tablets were common, with some people paying for curses against rivals or enemies. Inscriptions asking gods for protection or revenge have been found across the empire. Even emperors sought guidance from oracles and believed in astrology, showing how superstition influenced decisions at the highest levels.
