How Well Do You Know Rome?
When was Rome originally founded?
- The founding legend of Rome was that brothers Romulus and Remus were raised by a wolf, and Romulus eventually went on to create the city and become its first ruler.
How many primary hills does Rome encompass?
- The seven hills of Rome are all named, such as the Palatine and Aventine Hills, and are famed from early on in the city's history.
The Colosseum is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. But do you know who ordered its construction?
- Vespasian was a Roman emperor and began construction of the structure from 70-72 A.D. But after Vespasian's death, his son Titus finally completed and dedicated the Colosseum in 80 A.D.
When was the last recorded Roman gladiator battle to take place in the Colosseum?
- Gladiatorial combat was one of the most popular forms of Roman entertainment.
When did Rome become the capital city of Italy, taking that title from Florence?
- The Kingdom of Italy adopted Rome as its capital in 1870, and later, the city became the capital of the Italian Republic in 1946.
How many "monumental fountains" dot the modern city of Rome?
- And in each of these famous waterworks, as well as all of the smaller fountains, thousands of Euros worth of money are tossed to the bottom by tourists and locals alike.
What is the name of the country found within Rome's city limits?
- Also known as a microstate, Vatican City is the home of the Holy See and the smallest country in the world at 0.44 square kilometers and with a population of 800.
What is Rome's nickname?
- Rome is known as the Eternal City because of how old it is, and how long it has persevered throughout history.
When walking around the oldest parts of Rome, you might find the phrase "SPQR" engraved on many buildings. What does this ancient Roman acronym mean?
- In Latin, SPQR stands for "Senatus Populusque Romanus", a phrase that referred to the governance of ancient Rome.
What is this building called, which was an ancient Roman temple at first, and later became a Catholic Church?
- The site of the Pantheon has been in use since the reign of Emperor Augustus, from 27 B.C. to 14 A.D.
