Why is Ancient Rome so Famous?
Ancient Rome has captured our attention and admiration for centuries,
and its far-reaching influence has made it one of the most famous and important civilizations in human history. So, why is
Ancient Rome so famous? This article aims to explore the reasons why Ancient Rome is remembered and revered by exploring
its major contributions to art, literature, government and religion, as well as its impact on modern culture.
When talking about Ancient Rome, it’s impossible to ignore its monumental art and architecture. Ancient Roman structures
like the Colosseum, the Pantheon and the Baths of Caracalla inspired future building design and have become iconic landmarks
of the city. Many of its famous sculptures, such as the Venus de Milo and the Athena Parthenos, have been copied over and over
again, and its influence on modern architecture can still be seen in government buildings, churches and public spaces.
In terms of literature, Ancient Rome was a major cultural force. The works of Virgil, Cicero, Livy and Plutarch are still studied
and appreciated today. They set the standards of what writing should be, from its use of creative language to its ability to
capture human emotion and its importance as a source of knowledge. Even the etymology of words used today can often be traced
back to Ancient Rome.
To this day, Ancient Rome’s influence on government remains strong. It is often referred to as one of the earliest examples of
democratic governance, with an elected senate that provided public oversight of the government. Its many legal systems and
code of laws, known as the Twelve Tables, were hugely influential throughout the world, providing the basis for many countries’
modern legal systems.
An important part of Ancient Rome’s legacy is its profound impact on religion. Christianity was a major religion in Ancient Rome,
and many of its customs and traditions are still observed today. Its art and architecture were also heavily influenced by the
religion, with depictions of Jesus and the Virgin Mary becoming a major part of the culture. Other religions, such
as Islam and Judaism, were also welcomed in Rome, making it one of the most religiously tolerant cities of its time.
Last but not least, Ancient Rome’s influence on modern cultures and societies is undeniable. Its literature has been translated
into many languages and its ideas about government, law and religion have been adopted by many countries around the world. Its
art and architecture are still imitated, and its legacy is celebrated worldwide in films, books and even video games.
Art and Culture
Art plays an essential role in Ancient Rome’s legacy. Statues, frescoes and mosaics decorated not only public spaces, but also
private homes, official government buildings and religious temples. Each was incredibly detailed, capturing the subtlety and beauty
of the human form. Art was also used to convey civic, religious and political messages, providing insight into the values and beliefs
of the society.
The city of Rome was filled with theaters and arenas, all of which provided a range of entertainment options. People were treated
to gladiatorial combats, plays, comedies and spectacles, all of which were highly entertaining and often featured political or moral
messages. Ancient Roman society was also famous for its use of leisure activities and sports, from chariot races to contests of strength.
Finally, literature played an important role in Ancient Rome. Many of its authors wrote about a wide range of topics, from tragedy
to epic poetry and philosophy. Writers like Virgil and Horace are still celebrated and studied today, as their writings provide insight
into the values and beliefs of the society.
Commerce and Trade
Commerce and trade were two of the major driving forces of Ancient Rome. The government was keen to promote and expand the
empire’s trading activities and developed systems of taxation, which generated much of the state’s revenue. Rome was an important
manufacturing center, producing a range of goods including bronze sculptures, pottery, jewelry, coins and other items.
Rome was also an important hub of international trade. It was well connected to the Mediterranean region and had extensive contacts
with Africa and Asia through its network of ports. Merchants from all over the world visited Rome, bringing new goods and exchanging
ideas. Trade was seen as a way of enriching the empire, and the government actively encouraged it.
To facilitate this, Rome established a strong network of military roads, known as the cursus publicus. These roads allowed for the
speedy transportation of goods, creating a large market for merchants and tradesmen to operate in. This infrastructure also enabled
the swift movement of troops and government officials across the empire, helping to maintain control and exert influence in distant
regions.
Military and Warfare
The Roman military was one of the most effective and successful fighting forces in human history. It was highly organized and
extremely disciplined, relying on its great capabilities in engineering and tactics to defeat its enemies. Roman armies were used
not only to protect the empire, but also to expand its territory by conquering new lands.
The Romans were known to be master tacticians, using innovative strategies and deploying specialized equipment and troops to
maximize their chances of victory. Rome was also famous for its well-designed fortifications, most notably Hadrian’s Wall in
Britain. This helped to maintain the safety of their provinces from invasions from any direction.
At the time, Roman armies were equipped with the most advanced weapons and armor. Later on, they developed siege warfare into an
art, using battering rams, catapults, siege towers and other siege machines to breach enemy fortifications. This ensured that their
victories were quick, decisive and complete.
Civil Engineering
Ancient Rome was a major pioneer in civil engineering. Its engineers constructed impressive buildings, roads and bridges all
across the empire. Examples of these constructions still stand today, such as the Colosseum and the Pantheon. The Romans also
developed advanced agrarian techniques, such as terracing and irrigation, allowing them to increase agricultural yields significantly.
They even invented concrete, which enabled them to construct large structures quickly and cheaply.
The city of Rome was also designed to impress, with vast public spaces and grandiose structures. Rome had a well developed sewage
system, and its streets were lined with public fountains. It even had a large aqueduct system, which provided the citizens with
clean running water.
Rome was also well known for its network of roads, which were used not only to transport goods and people, but also to maintain
control over its far-flung territories. The roads were extremely well engineered, with stones, bridges and causeways that could
withstand extreme weather conditions and the abuse of war and time. This network of roads served as the model for many road systems
built in Europe in the centuries to come.
Advanced Education System
The Romans were well known for their commitment to education and intellectual pursuits. They established a well developed system
of formal education, as well as informal schools in cities and rural towns. This system was designed to produce citizens who were
capable of functioning effectively in government and society. Subjects like grammar, law and rhetoric were taught in the schools,
along with philosophy, mathematics and medicine.
The Romans were also known for their advances in medicine. They were the first to conduct systematic experiments, and they
created an organized system of medical practice. They also developed advanced treatments and remedies, and had a refined understanding
of the body. This knowledge was passed on to other cultures, and it still contributes to medical practice today.
Finally, the Romans were passionate about knowledge, and they had an extensive library system. Their libraries contained thousands
of works covering a variety of subjects, and they were constantly adding new works to their collections. This thirst for knowledge
allowed the Roman Empire to expand its knowledge and influence, and it is credited with ensuring the success of their civilization.
