5 Things Most People Misunderstand About Ancient Rome

Ancient Rome is one of those civilizations we all think we know pretty well. We’ve got the big names, the grand architecture, and the famous moments etched in history. However, as it turns out, some of the things we assume about Ancient Rome are not entirely true. So, let’s take a closer look at five popular misconceptions about Ancient Rome that might just surprise you.

Roman Slaves Had Opportunities For Freedom

In Ancient Rome, slaves were not permanently bound to their status, as many assume. Slavery was far more fluid than the rigid systems seen in later history. This is because Roman law allowed for manumission, where slaves were freed as a reward for service or after they had accumulated enough wealth.

Romans Did Not Invent Concrete

Despite being credited with its creation, Romans didn’t actually invent concrete. Instead, they refined and perfected it, using volcanic ash mixed with lime mortar to create a durable building material. Hence, the Romans adapted earlier concrete-like materials to invent “Roman concrete.”

Romans Did Not Use Urinals The Way We Do

When it comes to Roman sanitation, most people think of clean streets and efficient plumbing. However, the reality was quite different from modern expectations. Romans used communal public latrines (foricae), where people sat next to each other on long stone benches. There was no privacy, and instead of toilet paper, they used sponges on sticks.

The Roman Empire Didn’t Fall In 476 AD

The date 476 AD is commonly cited as the fall of Rome, yet the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire) continued for nearly 1,000 years. Even after Rome was sacked, the concept of Roman governance persisted in the East, with Constantinople thriving as a center of power and culture.

Gladiatorial Fights Were Not Daily Occurrences

Contrary to popular belief, gladiator games were not an everyday part of Roman life. They were special events, often held to honor deceased elites or celebrate military victories. The grandeur of the Colosseum’s games doesn’t mean every Roman watched a fight regularly, as it was more of a spectacle.