Facts about Rome

1. 09

   Augustus, Rome's first emperor, established a fire brigade called the Vigiles Urbani in 6 AD consisting of approximately 7,000 freedmen organized into 14 cohorts throughout the city.

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2. 08

   Twenty-eight public libraries operated throughout Rome by the 4th century AD, with the largest containing over 700,000 scrolls and codices for citizen access.

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3. 07

   Concrete used in Rome's Pantheon, built around 126 AD, remains harder and more durable than modern Portland cement after nearly 1,900 years of exposure to the elements.

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4. 06

   Over 50,000 gladiators died in Rome's arenas during the approximately 400 years that gladiatorial combat was practiced as public entertainment.

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5. 05

   By 315 AD, Rome's street network contained approximately 29 major roads radiating outward, with the Via Appia stretching 350 miles from Rome to Brindisi.

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6. 04

   In 113 AD, Emperor Trajan's Column was erected in Rome with a continuous spiral relief of 2,662 figures depicting scenes from the Dacian Wars across its 125-foot height.

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7. 03

   Approximately 2 million slaves lived in Rome during the 1st century AD, comprising roughly one-third of the city's total population.

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8. 02

   Ancient Rome's aqueduct system delivered approximately 300 gallons of water daily per citizen, more than modern New York City provides today.

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9. 01

   The Colosseum in Rome could hold approximately 50,000 spectators and was completed in 80 AD under Emperor Titus.

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