Colosseum, Rome 2015
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Ready
for a journey back in time?
Before
you travel to Rome go through some history and facts to help your child to comprehend
and appreciate the phenomena of the Roman Empire. Learning about ancient Rome can
be interesting and enjoyable.
Key Facts About Ancient Rome
- Rome was founded in 753BC by its first king, Romulus. It grew into a rich and powerful city during the next few hundred years.
- The legend says that Romulus had a twin brother called Remus. A she-wolf found and raised them, but when they grew up, Romulus fought and killed Remus. Romulus became the first ruler of Rome.
- By AD 117 the Roman Empire included the whole of Italy, all the lands around the Mediterranean and much of Europe, including England, Wales and parts of Scotland.
- The Romans built such a huge empire and conquered new lands, thanks to their strong army. The Roman army could march up to 40km a day!
- During battle, a Roman soldier first hurled his spear at the enemy, then he fought him with his sword. To protect himself, he carried a wooden shield and wore a metal helmet and armor.
- The Romans didn’t spend all their time fighting - they were amazing architects and engineers too! Romans built roads and walls - things we now take for granted.
- To bring water to their cities, the clever Romans built aqueducts - a system of channels and bridges - to transport water for public baths and toilets!
- The Romans liked to enjoy their food, often lying down on a couch while eating with their hands. They occasionally used a spoon, but they would never use a knife and fork. Rich Romans liked to eat exotic food, such as stork, roast parrot and even flamingo!
- The Romans believed in gods and goddesses who ruled over different areas of life. For example, Neptune was the god of the ocean, and they prayed to him to protect them at sea. Temples were built to honor the gods, and people would visit them with offerings.
- Tunics - two pieces of woolen fabric sewn together at the sides and shoulders, with openings for your arms and head - were the most common clothes in Rome. Some Romans also wore togas - a kind of woolen shawl - to show how wealthy they were.
Pieta by Michelangelo Buonarotti and Pantheon
Learn more facts about the ancient Rome with “History for Kids”
