Ancient Rome was a bustling city and the hub of the Roman empire. It was a thriving metropolis of culture, architecture, and politics, but was also exposed to the same kinds of natural disasters as any other area in the world. Earthquakes, floods and fires were all part of life in Rome and could have easily brought about its destruction.
In AD 62, a major earthquake destroyed much of the city of Pompeii. Excavations of this site showed that some of its buildings had toppled, and other areas bore the marks of cracks in the walls. It is believed that this strong earthquake caused much of the destruction in the city.
Over the centuries, the city of Rome saw frequent flooding. Rivers that ran through the city caused floods, particularly the Tiber River, which was prone to flooding after heavy rainfall. Records show that in 1530, the Tiber reached a level of 10 feet in the city causing extensive damage to buildings.
Rome also laid witness to its fair share of fires over the centuries. Partially due to the warmth and dryness of the air in the area, fires could start in an instant. In the Great Fire of 64 BCE, the city was devastated beyond repair, resulting in its destruction. Man-made fires were often caused by negligence or intentional damage, particularly by those fleeing a city in fear or military attack.
Whilst these disasters could claim lives and cause chaos, resources were available to the citizens of the city to help cope with the destruction. Teams of engineers were assembled to help clean up debris, and rebuild damaged structures. Researchers also learnt lessons from these events that helped with the development of engineering and architecture of the city’s buildings.
The vast resources of Ancient Rome also allowed for health and religious services to be provided to citizens. These offerings did not go unnoticed, as religious figures, such as Augustus, were praised for their effors in putting the wellbeing of the people first. This was particularly useful during times of natural disaster, when people needed emotional, financial and spiritual support.
Naturally, there were some cases in which the citizens of Rome were unable to combat or recover from the destruction caused by natural disasters. These instances demonstrate the impact that environmental change can have on a city and its citizens, no matter how powerful the area is.
Social Impact
Though the elements of nature could cause destruction, the aftermath of these disasters may have even greater implications. Natural disasters can bring with them social unrest, and they may also leave economic and cultural scars. This was seen in Ancient Rome, where famine and disease were common consequences of natural disasters. In fact, some historians believe that a pandemic in 397 BCE, which devastated the city, was the result of one such natural disaster.
Additionally, the death and destruction that accompanies a natural disaster can exacerbate political problems. This was evident during the Great Fire of 64 BCE, in which citizens rioted against emperor Nero and his rule. Nero was blamed for the destruction and accused of being complicit in the fires. Thus, these disasters can have far-reaching implications, far beyond the damage or destruction that has been caused.
Perception of Natural Disasters
It is interesting to note the different manner in which natural disasters were perceived in Ancient Rome compared to the present day. In the city, disasters were not seen as part of a force of nature, but were instead regarded as signs of displeasure from the mythical gods. This belief system increased the sense of panic and chaos that followed such events.
Even Julius Caesar had contributed to this idea, bringing back captives of foreign religions to Rome as sacrificial objects following his military victories. By doing so, it was believed that these offerings would appease the gods, preventing future natural disasters. In modern times, we have instead adopted an understanding of natural disasters as an unavoidable act of nature, which are not necessarily meant to be punitive.
Precautions Taken
Ancient Rome took extensive measures to prepare for disasters that could occur in the city. Laws were passed to ensure that buildings were constructed in certain ways, such as lining all windowsills with masonry. Other architectural strategies, such as locking stones, were employed to ensure the security of walls and homes.
Aside from architecture, the Ancient Romans also took to evacuation plans, as seen during the Great Fire of 64 BCE. In this instance, the emperor had instructed citizens to abandon the city and evacuate in an orderly fashion. This helped to reduce the amount of casualties due to the destructive flames.
The city planners of Ancient Rome also took preventive steps, such as diverting the Tiber River so that floods did not occur in the city. As a result, the citizens of Ancient Rome were able to reduce the damage of natural disasters in comparison to other cities at the time.
Protection of Structures
Minor measures were also taken to protect small structures such as statues from natural disasters as well. Statues of gods and goddesses were placed in certain points within the city, believed to be sacred places which the gods deemed untouchable. This provided the structures with an extra layer of protection during natural disasters, and some are still standing today.
Ancient Rome also had a set of regulations that dictated which materials were suitable for particular buildings. This allowed for various architectural styles, such as the use of arches designed to support the dome of the Pantheon building. Similarly, stronger materials were used in the construction of bridges to ensure they could withstand the force of water during floods.
Earthquake-proof Buildings
Architects in Ancient Rome developed ways to make buildings earthquake-proof. This was achieved through the use of foundations made of loose soil, which allowed for a certain amount of movement during seismic activity. Additionally, special materials, such as plaster and cement, were used in the construction of walls and roofs to absorb shock and reduce the amount of damage.
Other techniques, such as using wood for the building frames, allowed for flexibility during shaking and also weakened the overall force of the quake. By employing such measures, engineers in Ancient Rome were able to reduce the effects of earthquakes and make the city more resilient.
Conclusion
Natural disasters have always been a part of life in Ancient Rome, whether it be earthquakes, floods or fires. The city’s rich history is full of examples of how the citizens of Rome coped with such events, often taking extensive measures to prepare for and mitigate the damage. Ancient Rome truly demonstrated the value of ingenuity and perseverance in the face of mother nature’s wrath.
