Ancient Rome was once one of the most influential cities in the world. Many people settle there because of its impressive architecture, imperial rule and grandiose lifestyle. It was also an advanced and thriving society with an extensive network of roads, aqueducts and public amenities. But why exactly was ancient Rome a great place to settle?
First of all, it was home to many renowned Roman politicians, military figures and artists. Not only did it have a powerful and respected president, but its people also had great wealth and power. Rome was also praised for its beautiful visual appeal and its great monuments such as the Colosseum, Pantheon and the Forum. It also had a strong sense of public infrastructure – its sewer system, aqueducts and roads were all novel and revolutionary. Moreover, its strategic location made it an attractive option for people looking to find a place to settle – its access to the Mediterranean sea and its closeness to other cities like Antioch and Alexandria meant that it had access to many different cultures and trading opportunities.
But beyond its physical features, the Roman people’s cultural customs and values made Rome an attractive option for many. The belief in virtue and Roman law provided a strong moral backbone to the city. Roman citizens were expected to follow strict rules about honour, justice and duty and the system of government – a balanced combination of Senate rule and powerful consuls – kept power in check, giving people a sense of stability and safety. Its focus on discipline and education meant that Roman civilisation was able to progress rapidly, making this civilisation a modern one.
The religious practice of sacrificing on altars added a mystical element to the city, while its love of games, gladiator fights and grand feasts made Rome a peaceful and enjoyable city to live in. People could register their legal disputes in courts to receive swift justice, while the many festivals and holidays celebrated in Rome provided an exciting atmosphere. Overall, it is easy to understand why Rome was a prosperous and desirable spot to live.
Reputation
Rome was also renowned for its great reputation. Thanks to its many victories over different countries and its booming economy, other cities in the region looked to Rome as a leader and an example. This in turn drew both foreign settlers and wealthy individuals looking to do business with Rome. It also meant that trade and commerce were generally welcomed, creating a bustling city full of progress and opportunity.
Rome was also a great place to establish a career in almost any field. People could find employment in the public sector or in the kingdom’s powerful private industry. Additionally, Rome was home to several renowned schools and academies to pursue higher education, further boosting the city’s cultural esteem.
Legacy
If there’s one thing that sets Rome apart, it’s its lasting legacy. Ancient Rome’s influence still lives on today and is easily visible in the Western world – its former laws are still present in many countries and its monuments and cities are still seen as some of the most beautiful in the entire world. This lasting legacy has left its mark on western civilisation, with monuments and buildings still standing to this day.
The city’s political legacy is also highly influential. Its system of government, mixing Senate rule with powerful consuls, has been emulated in many different societies and its view on justice, virtue and honour are still widely respected even today. This helped to create the foundation of a system of law and governance based on equality and justice for all.
Arts and Culture
Beyond its political and economic appeal, ancient Rome was also renowned for its culture and art. The city was home to many artists, philosophers, scientists and poets who all helped to create a thriving culture. This enabled the city to become a centre of excellence in the arts and culture, as Rome was also home to many of Italy’s greatest painters, sculptors and musicians.
No discussion of Roman culture would be complete without mentioning the famous gladiatorial games. These events were a major part of Roman life and were used to celebrate Roman victories and entertain the masses. Not only did these games show the extent of Rome’s military might, but the audience was also amazed by the sheer skill of the gladiators and their courage. In this sense, gladiators served both as heroes and as a reminder of Rome’s might.
Architecture
Finally, we cannot talk about ancient Rome without mentioning its extensive architecture. Roman architecture was renowned for its grandeur and intricacy, and features such as the Forum, Pantheon and Colosseum are still seen as some of the greatest pieces of architecture ever built. A testament to their quality, many of these monuments still attract tourists and visitors today.
Additionally, much of modern architecture still takes inspiration from its Roman predecessor. From arches to domes, many aspects of Roman architecture have been adopted by architects throughout the years. Buildings such as the British Museum and the U.S. Capitol Building both take inspiration from the same Roman structural techniques.
Public Amenities
Rome’s public amenities also set it apart. It was the first city to implement sewer systems, public baths and aqueducts, allowing the citizens of Rome to enjoy a high quality of life. This allowed the city to stay relatively clean and kept diseases such as the plague from spreading. In this way, the public amenities of Rome were essential for maintaining public health and wellbeing.
The networks of roads in Rome were also highly advanced. They connected cities and allowed trade and commerce to take place between these different cities, thus allowing Rome to become a central hub of civilisation in the ancient world.
Prosperity
Overall, it is easy to understand why so many people choose to settle in ancient Rome. Its impressive architecture, its political stability, its cultural and religious practices, and its robust public amenities made it a great place to live. In addition to this, its bustling economy and its attractive location meant that it was a desirable spot to settle. All of this contributed to Rome’s prosperity, making it one of the most successful cities in the ancient world.
