FACTS IN ANCIENT ROME

According to legend, Rome was founded in 753 BC by Romulus and Remus, who were raised by a she-wolf. The civilization was  three different stages: Kingdom, Republic and Empire (western and eastern) Life in ancient Rome revolved around the city of Rome, its famed seven hills, and its monumental structures such as the Colosseum and the Pantheon. The city also had several theaters, gymnasiums, and many taverns, baths, and brothels. The city of Rome was the largest megalopolis of that time, with a population that may well have exceeded one million people. The center of social structure was the family. The Pater familias was the absolute head of the family. Slavery and slaves were part of the social order. The slaves were mostly prisoners of war. There were slave markets where they could be bought and sold. During the time of the Roman Republic (founded in 509 BC) Roman citizens were allowed to vote. These included patricians (high administrative officials, aristocrats and the higher bourgeoisie) and plebeians (shopkeepers, crafts people, and skilled or unskilled workers). Women, slaves, and children were not allowed to vote. Life in the ancient Roman cities revolved around the Forum, the central business district, where most of the Romans would go for marketing, shopping, trading, banking, and for participating in festivities and ceremonies. Different types of outdoor and indoor entertainment, free of cost, were available in ancient Rome. Depending on the nature of the events, they were scheduled during daytime, afternoons, evenings, or late nights. Huge crowds gathered at the Colosseum to watch events like gladiators, combats between men, or fights between men and wild animals. The Circus Maximus was used for chariot racing.