Ancient Rome is a fascinating era, full of both achievements and controversy. Many common beliefs about this period are not always consistent with historical facts. Here are 10 non-obvious myths about ancient Rome.
I. “The Romans ate only olives, bread and wine”
Although these foods were popular, the Roman diet was much more varied. The Romans ate a variety of foods, including meat (beef, lamb, venison), fish, seafood, cheese, fruits and vegetables. Roman cuisine was regionally diverse, and wealthier citizens could afford exotic dishes such as flamingos and cranes.
II. “Romans always wore togas”
Togas were formal civic attire and were worn mainly during official ceremonies and celebrations. In everyday life, the Romans wore tunics, which were more practical and comfortable. Togas were also heavy and uncomfortable, so they were rarely worn except on important occasions.
III. “Rome was always clean and well organized”
Although Rome had impressive infrastructure, such as aqueducts, baths, and sewage systems, the cities were often dirty and crowded. Garbage and waste were thrown into the streets and rivers, and rats and diseases were common. Rome, like other ancient cities, had its hygiene problems.
Most of Roman society lived in small apartments, single rooms or apartments without any amenities. They collected water from public wells or fountains fed by aqueducts. Certainly no water was taken from the rivers because they were aware of their heavy contamination.
IV. “All gladiators were slaves”
Although many gladiators were slaves, some were volunteers who sought fame, and fortune or wanted to repay debts. Some gladiators were also skilled professionals who trained in special schools and gained popularity with spectators.
Any strong man who had any skill in using weapons could become a gladiator. However, while free volunteers could resign from the gladiator school and return home at any time, convicts had no such choice. It is worth noting that women also fought, but their number was negligible compared to men.
V. “The Romans invented cement”
The Romans did not invent cement, but they mastered making durable cement and building strong arches. The Romans produced cement from a mixture of lime and volcanic rocks.
The grade used for underwater structures consisted of lime and volcanic ash, and the resulting mortar was mixed with tuff and placed in wooden moulds. After water immersion, an immediate hot reaction occurred. The lime is hydrated and reacts with the ash. An exceptionally resistant cement was created.
VI. “The Romans destroyed Carthage completely”
Although Carthage was destroyed in 146 BCE during the Third Punic War, the city was not destroyed. However, several dozen years later, from 122 BCE. There was a Roman colony in place of Carthage Colonia Iunonia, and Julius Caesar in 44 BCE restored its old name Karthago. During the times of the Empire, the city flourished as the centre of the Senate province of Africa Proconsularis, which was the granary of Rome.
VII. “Nero set Rome on fire and played the lyre”
The story of Nero playing the lyre during the fire of Rome is a legend. Although Nero was indeed suspected of setting fire to the city, there is no evidence that he started the fire himself. The Eternal City, being largely made of wood, was susceptible to fire – evidence of this is the numerous fires in Rome’s history. Historical sources indicate that Nero was involved in rescue operations rather than starting the fire.
VIII. “Rome fell because of the barbarians”
The fall of Rome in 476 CE was not merely the result of barbarian invasions. The causes were much more complex and included internal problems such as corruption, weakened central government, epidemics, economic problems, and social divisions.
IX. “The Romans had only one religious denomination”
The Romans were extremely religiously diverse. In Rome, not only the traditional Roman gods were practised, but also cultures and religions of other nations, such as the cult of Mithras, the Egyptian cult of Isis, and early forms of Christianity. Rome was therefore religiously pluralistic and open to new beliefs.
X. “Roman armies were invincible”
Although the Roman army was one of the most powerful in history, it was not invincible. The Romans suffered many defeats, such as the Battle of Carrhae in 53 BCE, when Crassus’ army was destroyed by the Parthians, and the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest in 9 CE, where three legions were destroyed by Germanic tribes. Lost battles and campaigns show that the Romans had their weaknesses.
