10 inventions of the ancient Romans that changed the world

Despite the fact that the Roman Empire is more than 2,000 years old, its contribution to the world continues today. We usually assume that ancient people were backward and simple, but this is simply not true. We owe a lot of technology to the ancient Romans. From architecture to entertainment, Roman customs, knowledge, and designs have been passed down over the centuries.

10 PHOTOS

1. Concrete.

The Romans were also adept at solid, durable forms of concrete. While today's concrete will fail in 50 years or less, Roman concrete is still strong.

2. Roads and highways.

Once the Romans realized that paved roads could help them maintain a strong army and empire, they built them all over the place. For 700 years, they have built 88,500 km of roads throughout Europe. These roads were well designed, built to last, and allowed fast travel across the empire. Even after 2000 years, many Roman roads still exist today.

3. Restaurants.

The Romans loved good food and their dining room was an important part of their living space. A typical Roman dinner, which resembles much of a modern restaurant meal, consisted of three courses: an appetizer, a main course, and a dessert. They also drank wine throughout the meal. This set them apart from the Greeks, who drank wine after a meal.

4. Plumbing.

The ancient Romans developed a revolutionary plumbing system that first began with aqueducts, which allowed them to transport running water to developed areas, and ended with the development of a complex lead piping system.

5. Newspapers.

Newspapers have come a long way. Originally, the Romans began recording Senate meetings called "Acta Senatus", available only to senators. Later, however, after 27 BC. e. there was the Acta diurna which was like a daily newspaper for the public, serving as an early newspaper.

6. Graffiti.

Believe it or not, graffiti is not a modern art form, but an ancient one that originated in Rome.

7. Central heating.

One of the first known central heating systems was invented by the Romans. It was found mainly in large public baths. With a raised floor and a constantly burning fire, the system heated the room and the water going to the bath.

8. Military medicine.

In ancient times, most soldiers had to take care of themselves on the battlefield when they were injured. However, during the time of Emperor Trajan in the second century, the Roman military acquired doctors who could dress wounds and perform minor operations. Field hospitals were soon established, and more carefully trained doctors marched alongside the Roman soldiers.

9. Caesarean section.

According to Roman law, Caesar decreed that all women who were already dead or dying in childbirth had to be dissected to save the child. The operation was never intended to save the mother's life because there was no cure for it. However, today the procedure has changed radically and has become more common.

10. Fast food.

McDonald's probably likes to think that he invented fast food, but that simply isn't the case. For example, in the ancient city of Pompeii, no one liked to cook. Instead, the citizens went to old restaurants. Takeout food was quite common.