What Not To Do In Ancient Rome
Although it may seem like a distant memory, the Ancient Roman era was once a vibrant and fascinating period of time in the history of the world. From bustling and wealthy cities to art, inventions and amazing feats of engineering, the Ancient Romans bequeathed us with a diverse cultural and social legacy blending aesthetic, architectural and engineering excellence. Whether it is exploring the ruins of the Colosseum, visiting the ruins of the Forum, or admiring the grandeur of the Forum of Caesar, any trip to Ancient Rome is sure to be an unforgettable experience – as long as you keep a few things in mind.
When visiting this incredible ancient city, it is important to remember that, in Ancient Roman society, certain social conventions were considered rude or were even illegal. To ensure unforgettable memories, here is a list of things not to do while exploring Ancient Rome.
Poaching or Disrespecting Foreign Gods
First and foremost, it is of utmost importance to remember that Ancient Rome was a polytheistic society. This means that people practiced faiths of various gods and goddesses. Visitors who grew up in monotheistic religions may be shocked at the vast array of gods that the Ancient Romans vowed to, from gods of wine and harvests, to gods of violence and death, and even goddesses of love. While it may be tempting to poach gods or goddesses from these faiths to update or broaden your own belief systems, this practice is frowned upon and can taint or ruin an otherwise magical experience.
Visiting a place of worship in Ancient Rome is also considered disrespectful to their gods. Although some of these places are tourist attractions today, it is important to keep in mind that these were once places of private worship and reverence. Be sure to take off your hat, remove disruptive jewellery, and dress respectfully before visiting.
Secular Laws and Regulations
Ancient Rome was also governed by a variety of secular laws and regulations, which are still observed in many places today. These include laws and regulations about pickpocketing, vandalism, theft, and public drunkenness. Visitors to the city should familiarize themselves with these laws and adhere to them in order to avoid any legal issues. Even if certain actions are not considered illegal in the visitor’s home country, it is important to remember that these laws were taken very seriously by the Ancient Romans.
Finally, public displays of affection were also frowned upon in Ancient Roman society. Kissing, hugging or even holding hands in public is considered inappropriate and may result in a fine or a reprimand. Be sure to keep this in mind when visiting Ancient Rome.
Behaviour in Public Spaces
As mentioned, the Ancient Romans were passionate about maintaining the city’s culturally rich atmosphere. This includes decorum in public places such as the forum, or the palace of justice. Loud noises or public insults were not tolerated. It is also important to remember that Ancient Rome is an incredibly historic place, so it is considered rude and unacceptable to perform activities such as motorized sports, jogging or exercising in public. Instead, visitors should dress modestly, move quietly and exercise caution. Do not shatter the serenity of Ancient Rome!
Interactions with Locals
The Ancient Romans were a famously hospitable people and it is important to remember that many modern customs still stem from the social habits of the Ancient Romans. When visiting Ancient Rome, it is important to abide by these customs and greet your host or server with a friendly and polite “Salve”, which is the Ancient Roman equivalent of a “hello”. Be aware of the potential cultural implications of different gestures and words. For example, the handshake, typically an expression of greeting in the United States, was not traditionally used in Ancient Rome, so it is best to err on the side of caution when visiting the city?
Respecting Roman Symbols
The Ancient Romans were particularly proud of their proud symbol of the eagle and the laurel wreath. While the eagle has become a universal symbol of power, loyalty and strength, it is important to recognize that its significance for the Romans goes even deeper. This symbol had a special meaning to the Romans and was used to represent religious and state institutions. As such, it is considered extremely disrespectful to wear the symbol of the eagle, or even use it as an accessory. It is also considered disrespectful to touch the ancient monuments, statues or temples without permission.
Food and Drink in Ancient Rome
When travelling, it is always important to remember the local etiquette regarding food and beverages. The Ancient Romans were passionate about the quality of their food, and considered it rude to complain or leave food on one’s plate after eating. It is also important to remember that, in Ancient Rome, wine was served throughout the meal and was not considered an after-dinner treat. This was a social custom that is still followed in some parts of the world today, so it is important to keep this in mind when travelling.
In addition, the Ancient Romans were particularly wary of food waste. Waste and carelessness with food was frowned upon and could even result in fines. While modern-day laws may have changed, it is still important to give due respect to the culture and avoid wasting food during your visit.
Importance of Research
No adventure is complete without being properly prepared. Before heading to Ancient Rome, it is important to research the local customs and taboos. This includes asking locals and guides, reading online forums and blogs, and just being mindful and observant while exploring the city. Being properly informed and knowledgeable will help ensure that your trip to Ancient Rome is a memorable one – and that you don’t find yourself in a sticky situation by unknowingly breaking one of these laws.
Important Reminders
Ancient Rome is an incredibly cultural, influential and fascinating period in history that is still evident today. To ensure that you have the most rewarding experience possible during your trip to Ancient Rome, it is important to remember these important reminders. Paying attention to dress codes, dining etiquette and social conventions will ensure a respectful and culturally relevant experience. Above all, have fun exploring Ancient Rome and enjoy your visit!
