Posted on 05/08/2015

The Italian capital, Rome, has been in existence for more than two and a half thousand years. Since its inception in 752 BC, the city has been continuously lived by millions of Romans. Perhaps to show off as the oldest European City, the Romans fondly refer it as the 'eternal City'. Below are a few interesting facts about the eternal city.

1. It has been the capital of Roman Kingdom, the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire, and the Kingdom of Italy.

2. The city is considered the birthplace of Western Civilization through its world conquering Roman Empire.

3. From 1st AD, Rome was the capital of Papacy and in the 8th century, it became the capital of Papal States, which lasted until 1870.

4. After the middle Ages, Rome was ruled by popes such as Alexander VI and Leo X who transformed the city into a major center of the Italian Renaissance along with Florence.

5. Artists such as Bramante, Bernini and Raphael lived in Rome and thus became some of the biggest influences to the Renaissance and Baroque architectural style.

6. I know this sounds crazy, but it is true - Physicians in the ancient Rome recommended the Gladiator's blood as remedy to common ailments such as infertility and epilepsy.

7. Purple was a color of status and was reserved to emperors and their senators.

8. This is really funny - Emperor Claudius’ third wife was a nymphomaniac and once competed with a prostitute to see who could have the most sexual partners...Rome has had its fair share of 'loons'

9. The name Rome is said to have come from Etruscan word rhome meaning “strength” or “river.” Popular legend has it that Roma was the daughter of Aeneas, a mythical founder of Rome.

10. Rome is home of an enclave state called Vatican - the seat of Papacy, the Roman Catholic spiritual leader.

The list of mostly hilarious anecdotes about Rome can go on and on. The city is certainly in a class of its own in terms of history. One hopes it is indeed 'eternal' as its poets proclaim.