Ancient Rome Facts for Kids
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Ancient Rome was one of the most powerful and important empires in world history, ruling over much of Europe, Asia, and Africa for over 1,000 years. From the founding of the city in 753 BC to the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD, Rome left an indelible mark on the world, from its impressive architecture and engineering to its innovation in government, law, art, and culture. Here are some fun and fascinating ancient Rome facts for kids!
1. Early history: According to legend, Rome was founded by the twins Romulus and Remus, who were raised by a she-wolf. The city was originally called “Roma” after Romulus, and built on the banks of the Tiber River in central Italy.
2. The Republic: In 509 BC, Rome became a republic, which meant that the people could elect their own leaders to represent them. This was a groundbreaking idea in the ancient world, and helped establish Rome as a major power.
3. The Senate: Rome’s government was run by the Senate, which was made up of 300 patricians (wealthy landowners). They made decisions about laws, wars, and other important issues.
4. Julius Caesar: One of the most famous leaders of ancient Rome was Julius Caesar, who conquered much of Europe and Asia, and became dictator of Rome in 44 BC. He was famously assassinated by his own senators, but his legacy lived on.
5. Gladiators: Gladiators were slaves or prisoners who were trained to fight in arenas for the entertainment of the public. They fought with weapons like swords, spears, and shields, and often faced ferocious animals like lions and tigers.
6. The Colosseum: The Colosseum is one of the most famous landmarks of Rome, and was built in 80 AD. It could seat up to 50,000 spectators, who would watch gladiatorial games, animal hunts, and other events.
7. Aqueducts: Rome was famous for its elaborate system of aqueducts, which brought fresh water to the city from faraway sources. It was an incredible feat of engineering, and allowed Rome to grow and prosper.
8. Language: Latin was the language of ancient Rome, and it was used throughout the Roman Empire. Many modern languages, including Spanish, French, and Italian, are based on Latin.
9. Gods and goddesses: The Romans believed in many gods and goddesses, who they believed controlled different aspects of life. Some of the most important gods included Jupiter (king of the gods), Juno (queen of the gods), and Neptune (god of the sea).
10. Legacy: Although the Western Roman Empire fell in 476 AD, Rome’s legacy lived on. Its achievements in law, government, language, architecture, and culture continue to influence the world today, and many people still find inspiration in the ancient city that once ruled the world.