Discover 10 interesting facts about Rome, the Eternal City

Rome is the capital and largest city in Italy, and over time it has become a place where you can find some of the most interesting things about the history of humanity. Rome is a city with many secrets and curiosities that many people do not know about. The city is known as a landmark in the history of art, culture and architecture, and it was a city that saw empires rise and fall, being an important cultural center for centuries.

The city was originally called Rome, but it was named after the Greek word ῥώμη (rhōmē), meaning “strength.” It became a metonym for the empire, and eventually the entire nation of Italy, as the seat of Roman power moved across the Italian peninsula. From the ancient Roman Empire to modern Rome today, there are many interesting facts about Rome that you may not know.

1. History

Rome is one of the most historically significant cities in the world, and was built on a marshy river. Rome’s history has been built layer upon layer, with its influence extending far beyond the borders of Italy. Today, it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe and the world, making its history full of interesting facts.

The official construction of Rome began on April 21, 753 B.C., when the first emperor, Romulus, separated from his twin brother Remus, making that day the legendary founding day of Rome, or “AU” (ab urbe condita). But some records say it all began when small tribes crossed the Tiber River and began to inhabit the hills along its banks, about 800 years before Christ.

2. Expansion of Rome

In the ancient world, Rome was a city surrounded by a wall, but the city had to expand because of the increasing population. Rome was a great civilization that thrived on trade with other cultures and societies, and as it expanded, government and society became more centralized.

The empire’s expansion lasted from the 2nd century BC, with the conquest of Italy, until the 5th century AD, when Roman rule finally collapsed. During this period, Rome managed to conquer more than two-thirds of what is now modern Europe and North Africa, and today the city has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

3 Culture

Rome is one of the most historically and culturally significant cities in the world, as there are so many interesting facts about this city that the stories never cease to amaze us. The culture of Rome developed over time as a result of waves of migration, invasion and trade on the Italian coasts.

Its culture is as rich and diverse as the city itself, as the Romans had a strong sense of pride and were known for their luxurious lifestyle, artistic pursuits and love of entertainment. This has resulted in the city having a rich cultural heritage, which includes some of the most famous ancient architectural structures in the world. The capital’s impressive modern face was created by Benito Mussolini in the 20th century using dark red bricks and giant blocks of marble.

4. World Heritage

With its new inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List, the application for the World Heritage designation aims to affirm the value of Rome's cultural heritage in terms of content, preservation and identification, since the city has a total of 981 sites listed as heritage sites.

The city also boasts over 2.870 ancient buildings protected as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Italy has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country: 54 with Venice, Rome and Florence, as well as many other historical attractions on the list.

5. Attractions

Rome is home to some of the most fascinating history on the planet, and one of the consequences of this is that the city is home to some of the most famous attractions in the world, such as the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, and the Roman Forum. However, one of the most famous landmarks in Rome and the world is the Colosseum, which was commissioned by Emperor Vespasian around 70 AD and completed only in 80 AD.

However, Rome's popularity as a tourist destination did not happen overnight; the city gained greater prominence in 1871, when Rome became a place of international pilgrimage, with people flocking to this ancient metropolis from all over the world to visit sacred places such as St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums.

6. Local Cuisine

The cuisine of Rome is a blend of ancient Roman traditions, Italian cuisine, Germanic traditions and Jewish customs. This variety of flavors is largely due to the city's history, as it is among the oldest and most traditional in the world. Roman cuisine has been heavily influenced by its neighbors and distant civilizations, and one of the most characteristic dishes of Rome is baccala' mantecato, which is dried cod that has been mashed with garlic, olive oil and tomato sauce.

Rome has always been influenced by local products, which vary due to the vast territory that Rome covers. Another well-known Italian dish in the region is spaghetti, which was invented by Catherine de Medici's chef after her arrival in Marseille from Italy, at the time of her marriage to King Henry II of France.

7. Architecture

Rome is a true example of the early Imperial Age and its architecture reflects this very well. The city features a mix of classical, modern and postmodern architecture, which has made it one of the most iconic cities in Europe and the world. One of the most fascinating aspects of the city is that those responsible for its construction throughout its history used different types of stone to create different textures.

There are many interesting facts that you should know about the architecture of Rome, as its buildings range from ancient ruins, to modern buildings and grand palaces alongside ordinary apartment blocks. You may have thought that Rome has always been a beautiful city, but it wasn’t always like that, and its architectural construction is not limited to just the city.

8. Location

Rome is located precisely on the western banks of the Tiber River, approximately 25 kilometers from the center of Italy. The city has always been an important place because of its central position in Italy, which led it to be invaded by empires such as the Greeks, Spanish and French throughout history.

The city has served as the center of Western civilization for over two thousand years largely due to its location, and has become one of the most iconic cities in the world. Rome's location is on the EW axis in northern Italy, and no other city in Italy can compete with it in terms of economic, political, and cultural significance.

9. Religiosity

The religiosity of Rome is an interesting topic to explore, and the first thing we should know is that this city was once populated by a wide variety of religions. The Romans themselves were polytheists, but they also took slaves from the conquered territory who practiced different religions. However, it is no secret that the predominant religion of the European continent is Christianity, which is why the city is full of churches and religious and angelic sculptures everywhere.

Churches are one of the main attractions for tourists visiting Rome, and Vatican City is situated within Rome, with its borders recognized internationally by treaty. The Vatican is certainly worth a visit, home to St. Peter’s Basilica and Michelangelo’s breathtaking frescoes. Most people don’t realize it, but it’s not uncommon for Roman Catholics to pray to St. Peter, who they believe is buried beneath the nearby Basilica di San Pietro. The city itself was and is so rich in religion that it has become a major point of interest for many historians.

10. The Eternal City

In addition to having witnessed eras long before Jesus, Rome has survived several different empires and periods, including the Roman Empire, the Holy Roman Empire, the Western Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem, and the Ottoman Empire. This has earned the city the nickname “The Eternal City.”

The Eternal City is one of Europe’s most iconic cities, and its long history has given rise to a rich culture, art and architecture that still exists today. Rome is considered a symbol of Western civilization, and has been at the center of European culture, education and politics for centuries, and is home to the works of many people who have influenced world art and architecture, including Michelangelo and Bernini.