What Made The Ancient Roman Empire So Successful? | Metropolis | Timeline

This paragraph introduces the History Hit network and delves into the historical context of Rome over 2000 years ago. It describes the rise of European capital cities around the Mediterranean, their crowded conditions, and the flourishing of arts, commerce, and sciences. The paragraph highlights the power struggle and the architectural competition among these cities. Rome, during the second century AD, is depicted as a city at the peak of the Roman Empire, with a million inhabitants and a reputation for wealth, power, and ruthlessness. The Colosseum is mentioned as a symbol of Rome's grandeur and its capacity to hold 50,000 spectators for 100 days of festivities, where 52,000 gladiators lost their lives. The paragraph also touches on the darker aspects of Roman society, including crime and the role of Drusus, the captain of the city cohort, who maintained law and order.

The second paragraph focuses on the living conditions in ancient Rome, particularly in the insuli, which were the world's first large tenement blocks. These multi-story buildings were a response to the high demand for living space and the scarcity of land. The paragraph details the cramped and unsanitary conditions in which the poor lived, often sharing their homes with strangers. It also describes the role of Drusus and the city cohort as the city's police force, respected and feared. The narrative then shifts to the story of a trader who cheats on taxes and is pursued by Drusus. The paragraph concludes with the ongoing archaeological efforts to understand the everyday life of ordinary Romans, emphasizing the significance of simple buildings and the ordinary people who lived in them.

This paragraph explores the extravagant lifestyle of ancient Rome and how it was financed. It discusses the imperial palaces on the Palatine Hill and the luxurious life led by Rome's elite. The paragraph then reveals the role of Monte Testaccio, an artificial hill made of shards from millions of amphoras, which were used to transport goods like olive oil from the province of Hispania Baetica in Southern Spain. The amphoras' contents were essential for feeding Rome's million inhabitants. The paragraph also describes the city's trade center, the unloading of goods at Rome's docks, and the storage of these goods in warehouses. It highlights the importance of trade and tributes from the provinces in sustaining Rome's capital.

The fourth paragraph delves into the specifics of Roman trade, focusing on the import of garum, a fermented fish sauce used as a spice in Roman dishes. It discusses the process of repackaging this delicacy for retail and the use of amphoras for transporting wine and oil. The paragraph then shifts to the issue of trade-related crimes such as swindling, smuggling, and fraud, particularly focusing on the character Petronius, who is involved in illicit trade activities. The narrative describes how Petronius is pursued by Drusus for tax evasion, evidenced by the seals on the amphoras. The paragraph concludes with the capture of Petronius and the mention of the labor of slaves on rural estates that supported the luxurious lifestyle of the Roman upper class.

The fifth paragraph discusses the sea trade that sustained Rome, highlighting the importance of the city's seaport, Ostia, which was located 30 kilometers from the city gates. It describes the variety of ships that docked at Ostia, carrying goods from across the Mediterranean. The paragraph also recounts a significant discovery of a Roman port in Pisa, which was made during the construction of a new railway station. The archaeological findings in Pisa included well-preserved Roman ships and cargoes, offering a unique glimpse into ancient maritime trade. The narrative concludes with the challenges of preserving the discovered materials and the race against time to protect the timbers from decay.

The sixth paragraph focuses on the market at Trajan's Forum in Rome, which was constructed under Emperor Trajan in 110 AD. It details the vast array of goods available at the market, catering to the diverse needs and desires of Romans. The paragraph also discusses the social and economic aspects of the market, including the high rents for shopkeepers, the provision of free food for poor men, and the public water supply. The narrative then shifts to the tragic preservation of Pompeii, which provides a snapshot of Roman city life. British archaeologist Rick Jones's research in Pompeii aims to understand the city's evolution and the mix of housing for rich and poor over several centuries.

This paragraph uses Pompeii as a model for life in Roman cities, providing insights into the social stratification and living conditions of its inhabitants. It describes the daily life that was frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The paragraph details the discovery of a well-preserved evening meal and the differences in living standards between the wealthy, who had their own kitchens, and the poor, who bought meals on the street. It also highlights the role of taverns in ancient Rome and the ongoing archaeological work to reconstruct the life of the city, revealing a trend of increasing wealth disparity.

The eighth paragraph discusses the engineering marvels of Rome, such as the aqueducts that supplied water to the city and the sewage system that attempted to manage waste. It highlights the challenges faced by a city of Rome's scale, including congestion, expensive accommodation, and noise pollution. The paragraph also touches on the social disparities in access to luxuries like running water and the role of slaves in maintaining the city's infrastructure. The narrative concludes with the mention of Rome's sewage system, the Cloaca Maxima, and the city's struggle with hygiene and disease.

The ninth paragraph explores the social and cultural aspects of Roman life, focusing on the hot spring baths that served as health centers and social hubs for Romans. It discusses the role of doctors, the leisure activities at the baths, and the importance of art and artifacts in displaying social status. The paragraph also delves into the museum's collection of artworks and everyday objects, revealing the splendor of the city and the lives of those who lived in its shadows. It concludes with a commentary on the materialistic culture of Rome and the city's nocturnal activities.

The tenth paragraph provides a detailed look at the Colosseum, its underground structures, and the role it played in Roman entertainment. It describes the architectural historian's findings about the stage machinery used to release animals for spectacles and the labor involved in creating these shows. The paragraph highlights the close relationship between the emperor and the public at the Colosseum, where the emperor could gauge public sentiment. It also discusses the harsh reality of gladiatorial fights and the public's fascination with them, as well as the criticism from figures like Seneca. The narrative concludes with the capture of Petronius and the grim fate that awaits him in the Colosseum.

The final paragraph reflects on the long history of the Roman Empire and the city of Rome as its center. It acknowledges the benefits and challenges of urban life in ancient Rome, drawing parallels with modern cities. The paragraph discusses the enduring issues of traffic congestion, housing shortages, and crime that have persisted through the ages. It concludes with a contemplative note on the timeless nature of these urban problems.