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The Romans

Rome built a huge empire with roads, aqueducts and the Colosseum. They spoke Latin, and many English words come from it.

๐Ÿ’ก Fun fact

Roman roads were so well built that some are still used today.

All about The Romans

The Romans built a huge empire that at its height stretched across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. They spoke Latin, built straight roads that connected distant cities and created aqueducts to carry fresh water into towns.

Roman cities had public baths, forums, temples and arenas such as the Colosseum, where crowds watched gladiator contests and other shows. Many words in English and other languages come from Latin, and Roman law influenced legal systems in many countries.

Rome began as a small city and grew into a huge empire that surrounded the Mediterranean Sea. They also built amazing stadiums like the Colosseum, where crowds watched games.

The Romans spoke Latin, which is the root of many modern languages such as Italian, French and Spanish. Roman laws, buildings and ideas still influence the world. Over many centuries the empire eventually split and declined, but its legacy lives on.

๐ŸŽฎ Try it yourself!

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๐Ÿ‘€ What the animation shows

This animation shows a Roman road and aqueduct being built across the land. Watch how the arches carry water over the valley and how the straight road links towns together.

Real-life uses of The Romans

  • Building roads and bridges that lasted for centuries
  • Providing running water to towns through aqueducts
  • Creating a legal system that other countries still study

Frequently asked questions about The Romans

Why did the Roman Empire fall?

Historians point to economic trouble, political instability, pressure from invaders and over-stretched armies. There is no single reason.

What is the Colosseum?

A huge oval amphitheatre in Rome that opened in AD 80 and held around 50,000 spectators.

Which English words come from Latin?

Many, such as "aqueduct", "student" and "computer" with its Latin root "computare".