How well do you know ancient Rome?
Rome left its mark on language, law, building and calendars worldwide. Six questions, from easy to hard.
Did you know?
- Ancient Rome had fast-food counters called thermopolia, where people bought hot food and drinks. Archaeologists at Pompeii have uncovered a well-preserved one with painted decorations and remains of food in its jars.
- Romans used a form of central heating called a hypocaust. Hot air from a furnace circulated under raised floors and through walls, heating public baths and wealthy homes.
- Many English words come from Latin, including 'salary', which is linked to the Latin word for salt. A popular but debated story says Roman soldiers were paid partly with salt.
How Rome shaped the modern world
Rome began as a small city in central Italy and grew into a state that connected much of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Beyond its size, Rome's lasting legacy lies in its roads, buildings, laws, calendar and languages, many of which still influence daily life around the world.
Roads and connections
Romans built tens of thousands of kilometres of paved roads, with milestones marking distances. These roads allowed trade, travel and communication across vast areas, and some modern European roads still follow Roman routes.
Engineering genius
Roman engineers built bridges, aqueducts, harbours and domed buildings. They combined arches with concrete to span large spaces, and many of their structures have survived earthquakes and centuries of use.
Law and government ideas
Roman law influenced legal systems across Europe and beyond. Concepts such as contracts, property rights and legal procedures were written down and studied for centuries, and Latin legal terms are still used in courts today.
Daily life in the city
Ancient Rome had apartment blocks, public baths, bakeries, snack bars and busy markets. Excavations at Pompeii, buried by Vesuvius in 79 AD, reveal graffiti, shop signs and even food, offering a vivid picture of ordinary lives.
Latin's long afterlife
Latin remained the language of science, education and scholarship in Europe for more than a thousand years after Rome's fall. Many scientific names, medical terms and mottos are still written in Latin today.
Baths and public life
Public baths were social centres where Romans of many backgrounds met to wash, exercise and talk. Large bath complexes had hot, warm and cold rooms, libraries and gardens. Entry was cheap, so bathing was part of daily life for many city dwellers, and the ruins of bath buildings survive across the former Roman world, from Britain to North Africa.