06/05/2024
21 facts you did not know about Rome Italy:
1. Rome is often called the "Eternal City" due to its long history and lasting influence on Western civilization.
2. The symbol of Rome, the She-wolf suckling the twins Romulus and Remus, is one of the most enduring icons of the city.
3. Rome is built on seven hills: Palatine, Aventine, Capitoline, Quirinal, Viminal, Esquiline, and Caelian.
4. The Vatican City, an independent city-state and the smallest country in the world, is located entirely within the boundaries of Rome.
5. The Colosseum, one of Rome's most iconic landmarks, could hold between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators and was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles.
6. Rome was the first city in the world to reach a population of one million people, achieving this milestone around the year 133 BC.
7. The Roman Forum was the center of political, religious, and commercial life in ancient Rome and is now a sprawling archaeological site.
8. Rome's Pantheon is the best-preserved ancient Roman monument and has the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome.
9. The Trevi Fountain is one of the most famous fountains in the world and is visited by millions of tourists each year who toss coins into the water to ensure their return to Rome.
10. Rome has more fountains than any other city in the world, with over 280 fountains spread throughout the city.
11. The Mouth of Truth, located in the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, is a large marble mask with a mouth-shaped hole. According to legend, it bites off the hand of anyone who tells a lie.
12. The Spanish Steps, a monumental staircase of 135 steps, were built in the 18th century to connect the Spanish Embassy to the TrinitΓ dei Monti church.
13. The Cat Sanctuary at the ancient site of Largo di Torre Argentina is home to hundreds of stray cats and is maintained by volunteers.
14. The Romans were the first to build extensive road networks, known as "viae," which connected Rome to its vast empire. The most famous of these roads is the Appian Way, which connected Rome to the southern regions of Italy.
15. The city of Rome has its own peculiar microclimate, which can lead to scorching summers and mild winters compared to surrounding areas.
16. The Mouth of Truth, or Bocca della VeritΓ , is a famous ancient marble mask in Rome reputed to bite off the hands of liars.
17. The smallest country in the world, Vatican City, is entirely surrounded by the city of Rome.
18. The first-ever shopping mall, Trajan's Market, was built in Rome in the 1st century AD and contained more than 150 shops and offices.
19. Rome has a network of underground catacombs, tunnels, and chambers that served as burial places for early Christians and are now popular tourist attractions.
20. The Capuchin Crypt in Rome contains the skeletal remains of over 3,700 bodies, arranged in intricate patterns and designs.
21. The iconic Roman dish, spaghetti carbonara, originated in Rome and typically consists of pasta, eggs, pancetta or guanciale (cured pork jowl), and pecorino Romano cheese.