We are going to comment on 12 Roman inventions that are still in use today. The city of Rome was the epicenter of an empire that dominated much of Europe, North Africa and the Near East.
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The remarkable inventiveness of the Romans
The history of Rome covers its republic, emperors and even love stories such as Cleopatra and Marco Antonio. It is one of the most remarkable ancient civilizations, which left us inventions like the following.
1. Highways
Roman roads became famous for always being built in a straight line. In addition, they all flowed into the city of Rome. They were made of stone, perfect for the journey of carts and some still exist today.
Source: Adobe Stock
2. Newspapers
They called it the “daytime act”. It was carved in stone, to later be shown at public events. A collection of everyday events.
3. Calendar
At the height of his power, Julius Caesar decreed that the year was 365 days and 12 months. Later, in the 16th century, the Gregorian calendar ratified several of these concepts, although with some modifications.
4. Concrete
Thanks to this material, the Romans managed to build enormous domes and revolutionized engineering in ancient times. Centuries later, with the addition of metal, the reinforced concrete variant would appear.
5. Sewer
The Romans were considered the “masters of plumbing.” Their cities had magnificent sewage systems, they manage to maintain hygiene in a city with a million inhabitants in ancient times.
Source: Adobe Stock
6. Firefighters
Called the “vigiles” or “triumviri nocturni”. They were in charge of putting out the fire that was burning a city as big as Rome. Also, they guarded the security of the streets at night.
7. Graffiti
The Romans were the inventors of graffiti. These city dwellers used to put their complaints, gossip and political issues on paintings on the walls. Every day a new graffiti dawned in the city.
8. Makeup
They didn’t actually invent it, but they did refine the concept of makeup. Wealthy families had very elaborate makeup boxes, with various instruments for their application and use in various situations.
9. Heating
They were called “hippocaustum”, a name given to hollow spaces in buildings. Its mission was to capture hot air from stoves or fireplaces, directing it towards other rooms.
10. Arches
The arch in a Roman engineering work. Thanks to the arch, longer distances could be covered between two columns. It was with this structure that they built their famous aqueducts and developed the dome.
Source: Adobe Stock
11. Spas
The Romans created a type of building called “Therma”, where there were spaces called: “frigidarium”, “templarium” and “calentarum” (cold, warm and hot water). The criteria of current spas.
12. Departments
A massive housing solution during the imperial era. They were created when Rome was overwhelmed with inhabitants, being a way to house the lower and middle classes.
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What do you think of these 12 Roman inventions? It is interesting to know that this civilization was so creative and left us so many things that are still used.