Despite the fact that the Roman Empire existed thousands of years ago, we continue to use certain discoveries of that time to this day.
It is considered, of course, that the ancient people lived very simply and backward, but those who think so do not even imagine how much they are mistaken. We owe the Romans very many inventions. Want to know which ones? About this below!
1. Arches
More precisely, the Romans perfected the earlier invented arches. Roman technology allowed to build aqueducts, basilicas, amphitheaters and not be afraid that they will collapse. Some ancient methods are used in architecture to this day.
2. The Roman Republic
Before becoming a majestic major empire, Rome was a small republic, the power in which was concentrated in the hands of two consuls, who served as president and senate. And this is at a time when most of the countries were ruled by monarchs.
3. Concrete
The Romans have learned to produce a truly durable concrete, which is a thousand times better than most modern building materials. It is rumored that a super strong composition was created by Mark Vitruvius from volcanic ash, lime and sea water. Over the years, this connection only grows stronger, so some concrete structures are safely standing today, while modern concrete for 50 years crumbles into dust.
4. Representations (shows)
The Romans adored submission. Many rulers understood that spectacular performances would help to raise their ratings, and often organized free events. Some Roman entertainment - such as chariot races, gladiatorial fights or theater performances - got a second wind in our time.
5. Roads and trails
As soon as the Romans felt all the charms of the roads, they began to build them throughout the empire. Over 700 years, about 90,000 kilometers of roadblocks were laid. And all roads were very well designed. Some of them have even survived to this day.
6. The Julian calendar
In Roman history, there were many different calendars, but in the Julian experiments stopped. The modern Gregorian calendar is based precisely on this invention of the Romans.
7. Restaurants
The Romans loved to eat deliciously in a comfortable environment, therefore they were very responsible for the arrangement of dining rooms. A typical Roman dinner consisted of three parts: snacks, main course and dessert. During the meal on the table, there was almost always wine. And the Romans could drink it when they wanted, while the Greeks had to start drinking alcoholic beverages only after eating.
8. Binding Books
Before the Romans came up with the idea that separate parts of one document / work could be stapled together, all the records were on separate plaques, stone tablets, and scrolls.
9. Water supply
The water pipe system was a revolutionary development. It all started with aqueducts, which allowed to deliver running water to the developed areas. A little later, lead water pipelines appeared, providing water supply in most of the territory of the empire.
10. Courier service
The Roman emperor Augustus created the first courier service, which was called Cursus Publicus. She was engaged in the transfer of important papers from hand to hand. August was convinced that this would protect valuable information, and was right!
11. The Colosseum
And today thousands of people come to this landmark.
12. The legal system
Roman law covered all aspects of life. The laws of the twelve tables extended to all the inhabitants of the empire. According to these laws, every Roman received certain legal rights and freedoms.
13. Newspapers
The first newspapers consisted of records of everything that was going on at the senate meetings. These materials were available only to senators. Over time, the press appeared for the people. The first daily newspaper was called Acta diurna.
14. Graffiti
Yes, yes, this is not a modern invention. Wall paintings were invented back in the days of Ancient Rome. More walls of Pompeii - the city, buried under the ashes of the volcano Vesuvius - were covered by them.
15. Social charity
The plebeians - the so-called representatives of the working class in Rome. They almost did not have strength alone, but they could be dangerous for the authorities if they had gathered in a group and raised an uprising. Realizing this, Emperor Trajan created a social security system that enabled low-income members of society to seek help from the rich. The emperor Augustus regularly spoiled the people with bread and circuses.
16. Central heating
The first systems were installed mainly in public baths. A constantly burning open fire warmed up not only the room, but also the water that was fed into the bathhouse.
17. Military medicine
In ancient times, soldiers themselves had to assist themselves in the event of injury to the battlefield. Emperor Trajan began to develop medicine. First in the ranks of the military appeared physicians who could conduct simple operations. Over time, special field hospitals were created, where the heavily wounded soldiers were assisted.
18. Roman Numerals
During the Empire, of course, they were used much more actively. But even today the Roman numerals are not forgotten.
19. Sewerage
The first Roman sewers appeared in 500 BC. True, in those days they were not intended to drain sewage, but to drain water during floods.
20. Cesarean section
Caesar also decided that all pregnant women who died during childbirth should be autopsied. The main purpose of the decree was to save children. For centuries the procedure has been improved and now with its help modern medicine saves not only children, but also often alleviates the fate of parturient women.
21. Medical instruments
It turns out that the Romans had a lot of tools that are actively used today. Among them - gynecological and rectal mirror or male catheter, for example.
22. Urban Planning Plans
The Romans loved to plan city planning. When designing cities, the ancients noted that the proper location of infrastructure facilities can improve the efficiency of trade and production.
23. Residential houses
Multi-apartment buildings are very similar to modern residential buildings. Landlords handed them over to representatives of the working class who could not afford to build or buy their own homes.
24. Road signs
Yes, yes, the ancient Romans also used them. Signs indicated important information about which side of this or that city, and how much distance to overcome to get to it.
25. Fast food
Of course, we can continue to believe that the first fast food restaurant - "McDonald's", but in fact, even in the days of the Roman Empire, there were some semblances of fast food. The so-called popinas-old restaurants-offered food for take-away, and this practice was very popular.