Johann Hunt
Ancient Rome is often romanticized, but some of what you think you know might be wrong. Popular culture and historical misunderstandings have led to myths about Roman life and society. Here are 10 misconceptions about Ancient Rome you probably learned in school.
Romans Did Not All Wear Togas
When you picture ancient Rome, the iconic toga likely comes to mind. Yet, this formal garment was reserved for Roman male citizens during ceremonies. Everyday wear was simpler, such as tunics made of wool or linen. Togas symbolized status, not convenience—hardly practical for daily life.
Roman Baths Were Not Always Luxurious
Roman baths bring about images of grandeur, but many catered to the working class with basic facilities. These communal spaces were bustling hubs for hygiene and socialization. While some elite baths showcased marble and mosaics, others had simple pools and relied on wood-fired furnaces for heating.
Gladiators Were Not Always Slaves
Many gladiators were enslaved individuals forced to fight, but others were free men who volunteered for fame or monetary rewards. The professionals trained rigorously in specialized schools. Successful gladiators were celebrated as sports stars, sometimes earning their freedom and wealth through their daring performances in the arena.
The Fall of Rome Was Not a Sudden Event
Rome’s fall spanned centuries and was marked by internal decay and external invasions. Economic troubles, political corruption, and military losses to tribes like the Visigoths contributed to its decline. The sacking of Rome in 410 CE symbolized its collapse, but the Eastern Roman Empire endured for another millennium.
Romans Did Not Always Eat Exotic Foods
Despite tales of lavish feasts featuring flamingo tongues and dormice, most Romans ate humble meals. Staples like bread and porridge dominated diets, especially for the poor. While Wealthy Romans occasionally indulged in exotic dishes, these were exceptions rather than the culinary norm.
Rome Was Not the First Democracy
Athens, not Rome, pioneered democracy centuries earlier. Rome’s government was a republic where power rested with elected officials and the Senate. However, voting rights were skewed toward the wealthy elite. The system prioritized checks and balances, inspiring modern democracies while remaining distinct from Athens’ model.
Romans Did Not Invent Concrete
Although Romans perfected concrete, they did not create it. Earlier civilizations like the Assyrians developed the material. Roman engineers enhanced it by adding volcanic ash, which created durable structures like the Pantheon. Their innovation ensured their buildings endured. However, credit for the invention belongs elsewhere.
Not All Romans Spoke Latin
Latin was the official language of Rome, but it wasn’t universal across the empire. Greek dominated in the Eastern provinces, and local dialects thrived elsewhere. Multilingualism was common and reflected Rome’s vast, diverse population. The Latin legacy remains, influencing modern languages, but it wasn’t a monopoly.
Women Had More Rights Than Commonly Believed
Roman women weren’t entirely subjugated. Many owned property, managed businesses, and even initiated divorces. Inscriptions reveal influential women, especially in wealthy families. While they couldn’t vote or hold office, their economic and social contributions challenged stereotypes of a wholly male-dominated world.
Romans Did Not Regularly Poison Their Enemies
Stories of poisonings in Rome often focus on intrigue within the elite. However, these incidents were isolated rather than widespread practices. Military tactics relied on strategy, not poisons. The dramatization of Roman politics exaggerates this aspect, which overshadows their reliance on engineering and discipline in warfare.