20 Wild Facts That Will Make You Glad You Weren’t Born In Ancient Rome

Ancient Rome is often romanticized in popular culture, but the reality of life in the ancient city was far from glamorous. From brutal gladiator fights to rampant disease, here are 20 wild facts that will make you glad you weren't born in ancient Rome.

• 1. The average lifespan in ancient Rome was just 20-30 years.
• 2. Slavery was a common practice, with an estimated 1 in 3 people being enslaved.
• 3. Public executions were a form of entertainment, with crowds gathering to watch criminals be tortured and killed.
• 4. Gladiators were often slaves or prisoners of war, forced to fight to the death for the entertainment of the masses.
• 5. The Roman Empire was plagued by disease, with outbreaks of malaria, typhoid, and tuberculosis killing thousands.
• 6. The city of Rome was notoriously dirty, with sewage and garbage littering the streets.
• 7. The Roman Empire was known for its brutal conquests, with entire cities being destroyed and their populations enslaved or killed.
• 8. Women had few rights in ancient Rome, with many being treated as property and unable to own property or vote.
• 9. The Roman Empire was notorious for its corruption, with bribery and political scandals being common.
• 10. The Roman Empire was built on the backs of slaves, with an estimated 2 million slaves working in the empire at its height.
• 11. The Roman Empire was known for its decadence, with the wealthy indulging in lavish parties and orgies.
• 12. The Roman Empire was plagued by political instability, with frequent coups and assassinations.
• 13. The Roman Empire was built on conquest, with the empire constantly expanding through military campaigns.
• 14. The Roman Empire was known for its brutal military tactics, with soldiers often committing atrocities against civilians.
• 15. The Roman Empire was notorious for its persecution of Christians, with many being tortured and killed for their beliefs.
• 16. The Roman Empire was built on a system of patronage, with wealthy patrons providing financial support to artists and writers in exchange for their work.
• 17. The Roman Empire was known for its decadent cuisine, with dishes like roasted flamingo and stuffed dormouse being popular among the wealthy.
• 18. The Roman Empire was plagued by economic inequality, with the wealthy elite controlling most of the empire's wealth.
• 19. The Roman Empire was known for its brutal treatment of animals, with gladiatorial games often featuring exotic animals being hunted and killed.
• 20. The fall of the Roman Empire was marked by political instability, economic decline, and military defeat.

While ancient Rome may seem like a fascinating time period, the reality of life in the empire was often brutal and unforgiving. From rampant disease to brutal military conquests, there are many reasons to be glad you weren't born in ancient Rome.