Whenever we date back to history to talk about ancient empires and their civilizations, the story of the Roman empire is always the first to come to the mind of many. The empire is the most fascinating, most controversial and most discussed, among other empires that have once existed - also one of the most successful. From their gladiators fighting in Colosseum to the elaborate dinner parties and politics, there are many interesting facets of life in the Roman civilization. Let just take a look at some few of those facts, most of which are unknown to many.
It was never the biggest empire
The roman empire has all it takes to conquer the whole world yet was never the biggest empire to ever exist even at it peak. Studies have shown that even at its peak, the empire could only comprised of the 12% of the world population and If we were to compare it with other empires, it is going to rank 28th among the biggest empires in history.
The British empire has been shown to be the largest in history, covering an area of realm of around 13,000,000 square miles during the 1920 CE. Second on the list is the empire of Mongol covering a total realm of 12,750,000 square mile during the 1280CE.
Not all of them spoke Latin
Although Latin was the official language of the Roman Empire but was never the general language spoken by all Romans. At its height around 100 AD, the Roman Empire stretched from Britain in the Northwest to Egypt in the Southeast. Including Celtic, Syriac and Greek and Tigris. All these territories still had their own endemic languages they spoke.
The emperors poisoned themselves every day
We all know that Romans were very good at using poison. So many Roman elites actually died through this means in the likes of Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus who was an emperor of Rome from 41 - 54 AD.
After the first century AD, which saw many Roman Elites died of poisoning Roman emperors then adopted a daily habit of consuming small amounts of known poisons in order to gain immunity.
Everyday Clothing
During the roman era, clothing was very significant because it helps differentiate the commoners from the the elites. The two most popular kind of clothing is the Toga and the Tunic. Only important Romans were eligible to wear togas. The material was not sewn or pinned but was draped around the body and over one arm. While the tunic was standard dress for all men for slaves, commoners, and non citizens. Although the tunic is also standard for the Important roman citizens but they must wear a toga on it.
Architecture
When we talk of technologies and architecture, we must always say a big thank you to the time of the Roman Empire. The birth of technology and modern architecture actually started with them of which our contemporary world would always recognizes them for.
During the period of emperor Claudius, the empire witnessed a breakthroughs in infrastructure such as modified arches that were used to build Colosseum, sewers and aqueducts as well as the road network that connected the entire Rome in order to facilitates the transaction of business.
Purple Clothing
Romans citizens were very careful of colors. Even when they could afford any color of clothe they wanted specific colors are just out of bound. The purple colors were strictly reserved for the emperors and senates. Purple dyes were very expensive and complex to produce. The resources for producing them was quite not in Rome but other territories most especially territories in the Mediterranean.
Gladiators or chariot racing?
Gladiator fights is a very important aspect of the roman traditions. It is a good way of entertaining the masses and also a way of making money among slave owners. This entertainment could pull 10,000 to 50,000 population into the Colosseum, place in Rome where it is usually carried out.
But history have shown that this wasn't the most important form of entertainment. The most important sport is the chariot racing. In ancient Rome, chariot racing took place between different teams and each team was financially backed by different groups and supporters.
It is usually not as bloody as gladiator fights. Roman government usually ensure that there is peace when this game is going on even when it sometimes become political. This sport can attract up to 250,000 people into the Circus Maximum, a stadium in Rome where Chariot racing normally take place.
The Vestal Virgins
In ancient Rome, the Vestal Virgins were priestesses of Vesta, goddess of hearth, the home, and domestic life of the Romans. Vesta was a very important gods to the Romans. The Roman ‘Vestal Virgins’ were expected to remain pure by keeping their hymen intact until the age of 30 as a proof of their virginity. Anyone act of misconduct could put them in the danger of being buried alive.