Rome Facts for Kids

Have you ever explored the city of Rome? Or dreamt of walking around the Colosseum enjoying local favorites? While I can’t take you to the city itself, I can teach you all about the city with these Rome facts for kids.

While you may know Rome for its chariot races and famous buildings, the city is so much more than that! Rome is a city rich with history and culture dating back to ancient times into today. We will cover it all from the time of the Ancient Romans to modern-day Rome, so sit back, relax, and get ready to read!

Rome As We Know It

1. Rome is the capital city of Italy and has a population of over 2.6 million people.

2. Rome is known as the “Eternal City” because it has been continuously inhabited for over 2,500 years. That’s a long time!

3. Rome is home to some of the most famous historical attractions in the world, such as the Colosseum, Vatican City and the Trevi Fountain.

Rome Facts for Kids – The Origins of Rome

4. The founding of Ancient Rome occurred in 753BC by its first king, Romulus. Although it started out as a small village, Rome is one of the oldest cities in the world!

5. The Roman Republic was founded in 509BC. The Roman Republic is credited with building roman roads, having strong Roman soldiers, and of course, their infamous leader, Julius Caesar.

The Roman Republic to the Roman Empire

6. Julius Caesar of the Roman Republic was assassinated in Rome in 44BC, which led to the Civil War of Rome. After the Civil War, a new Roman Republic was born that later became known as the Roman Empire.

7. According to world history, Rome was once the largest city in the world and the most powerful empire of its time. It expanded across Southern Europe, the Western part of Asia, and parts of Northern Africa. In fact, the Roman Empire was so large that it was split into the eastern part known as the Eastern Roman Empire and the western part, which became known as the Western Roman Empire.

Rome Facts for Kids – The History of Roman Emperors

8.The first Roman Emperor was Caesar Augustus. He ruled from 27 BC to 14 AD and helped the Roman Empire reach its height.

9. Emperor Constantine, who ruled from 280 AD to 337 AD) converted Rome to Christianity in 313 AD.

10. The last Roman Emperor Romulus Augustus ruled from 475 AD to 476 AD. His rule was cut short when the ancient city was attacked and overthrown.

The Roman Military

11. Rome had a very strong military force with 28 Roman legions and over 300,000 Roman soldiers.

Rome Facts for Kids – The Fall of the Roman Empire

12. Rome was sacked in 410 AD by the Visigoths.

13. Rome was sacked again in 410 AD, this time by the Goths.

14. Rome was sacked for a third time in 455 AD by the Vandals.

15. Rome was sacked for a fourth and final time in 1084 AD by the Normans. This final attack led to the fall of the Roman Empire, although all previous attacks had greatly weakened the Empire, sparking its downfall.

The Geography of Rome

16.The Roman Empire surrounded the Mediterranean Sea, which gave the Romans access to fresh water, which they used for public baths, Roman bath houses, and trade.

17. Part of the Roman Empire was located along the Tiber River, which provided the Romans with another source of fresh water that they could use for transportation and trade.

Rome Facts for Kids – The Hills of Rome

18. Rome is built on seven hills: Aventine Hill, Caelian Hill, Capitoline Hill, Esquiline Hill, Palatine Hill, Quirinal Hill and Viminal Hill.

19. Rome’s Capitoline Hill is one of the seven hills of Rome and is home to some of the city’s most important historical buildings, such as the Capitoline Museum.

20. Rome’s Palatine Hill contains some of the city’s oldest ruins, including the Palace of Domitian.

21. People say Rome’s Aventine Hill offers some of the best views of the city, including a view of St. Peter’s Basilica.

22. Rome’s Caelian Hill shows the history of the Roman Empire with the Baths of Caracalla. Which hill would you most like to visit?

More Interesting Roman Facts

23. Rome became an Italian city in 1870 AD when King Victor Emmanuel II declared it the capital of Italy.

24. Rome hosted the Olympic Games in 1960, becoming the first city in the Southern Hemisphere to do so.

25. Did you know the Vatican City is actually an independent country? The country is located within Rome and is the smallest country in the world, with a population of just over 800 people.

Rome Facts for Kids – Roman Architecture

26. Rome’s Colosseum is one of the most iconic historical landmarks in the world and was built between 70-80 AD. The Colosseum could seat up to 50,000 people and was used for gladiator fights, public executions and animal hunts.

27. Rome’s Vatican Museums are home to some of the world’s most famous artworks, including the Sistine Chapel ceiling painted by Michelangelo.

28. Rome’s Trevi Fountain is one of the most beautiful and iconic fountains in the world. It was built in 1762 and stands 26 meters tall!

29. Rome’s Pantheon is a former Roman temple that is now one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in the world. It was built in 125 AD and is still standing today!

30. Rome’s Spanish Steps are a popular tourist destination. They were built in 1723 to connect the Spanish embassy with the Trinita dei Monti church.

31. Rome’s Piazza Navona is a beautiful square that was once used as a Roman chariot racing stadium. It is now home to Rome’s fountain of the four rivers.

Would You Visit Rome?

So, now that you’ve learned all about Rome, would you want to visit the city? There is definitely a lot to see and do and make sure to try some of the delicious local food, such as spaghetti alla carbonara and gelato while you’re there!

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