Rome

Rome is the capital city of Italy and one of the most important places in world history. Known as the "Eternal City" and the "City of Seven Hills," Rome has been a major center for over 28 centuries. It was the heart of the ancient Roman Kingdom, Roman Republic, and Roman Empire, shaping the course of Western civilization and Christian culture.

Today, Rome remains a vibrant city with a rich past and a lively present. It is home to Vatican City, the smallest country in the world and the center of the Catholic Church. The city's historic center is a World Heritage Site, drawing millions of visitors each year. Rome also plays a key role in international organizations and businesses, making it an important city for culture, fashion, and design.

Name and symbol

According to the Ancient Romans' founding myth, the name Roma came from the city's founder and first king, Romulus. There are many ideas about where the name Rome comes from. Some think it may be linked to the river Tiber, or from an Etruscan word that means "teat," perhaps referring to the totem wolf that adopted and suckled twins Romulus and Remus. Others believe it comes from a Greek word meaning strength.

Rome has had many names throughout history. It was called "Urbs" meaning central city, and identified by the letters SPQR, a symbol of its early government. One emperor, Commodus, briefly renamed it after himself, but it soon returned to being called Rome. Other famous names for Rome include Urbs Aeterna (The Eternal City) and Caput Mundi (The Capital of the world).

History

Main article: History of Rome

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of Rome.

Earliest history

Main article: Founding of Rome

Archaeological evidence shows humans lived in the Rome area as far back as 14,000 years ago. Stone tools, pottery, and weapons suggest people stayed there for about 10,000 years. Rome likely grew from small villages on hills, especially the Palatine Hill, near where the Roman Forum would later be. By around the middle of the eighth century BC, these villages came together to form a larger city. The famous story of Romulus founding Rome after killing his brother Remus is a legend, but it shows how Romans remembered their beginnings.

Monarchy and republic

Main articles: Ancient Rome, Roman Kingdom, and Roman Republic

Rome was first ruled by kings for about 244 years. These kings were from Latin, Sabine, and Etruscan backgrounds. In 509 BC, Romans drove out their last king and started a republic, governed by elected officials called consuls. During the republic, Rome fought many wars and grew in power, eventually controlling much of Italy and the Mediterranean area. Inside Rome, there were often struggles between the patricians (aristocrats) and plebeians (common people).

Empire

Main article: Roman Empire

In 27 BC, a man named Octavian became the first emperor, called Augustus. Rome's empire grew huge, reaching from Britain to the Middle East. Emperors like Trajan expanded the empire and built famous structures like the Colosseum. Christianity spread during this time, taught by Jesus and his followers. After about 200 years, the empire faced tough times with leaders fighting for power and the economy struggling. Emperor Diocletian tried to fix things by dividing the empire and making big changes in how it was run. Later, Emperor Constantine made Christianity an accepted religion and moved the capital to Constantinople. Eventually, the Western part of the empire ended in 476 AD when Rome was sacked, but the Eastern part, called the Byzantine Empire, kept going.

Middle Ages

Further information: Fall of the Western Roman Empire

After the Western Roman Empire ended in 476 AD, Rome was controlled by different groups, including the Ostrogoths and later the Byzantines. The Pope, the leader of the Catholic Church, became very important in Rome. Over time, Rome was ruled by a mix of the Pope, local nobles, and sometimes kings from other places. In the 1400s, a man named Cola di Rienzo tried to bring back the old Roman Empire but was overthrown. The popes worked to make Rome beautiful again during the Renaissance.

Early modern history

Main article: Roman Renaissance

The Renaissance brought new art and buildings to Rome. Popes hired famous artists like Michelangelo and Raphael to create wonderful works. However, some popes were corrupt and cared more about their families than the people. In 1527, soldiers from another country attacked and damaged Rome. Later, the popes focused on fixing the Catholic Church and building more grand structures. By the 1700s, new ideas from the Enlightenment reached Rome, bringing changes to learning and daily life.

Late modern and contemporary

Rome became part of Italy in 1871 when Italian soldiers entered the city. In the 1920s, a leader named Mussolini took control and started the Fascist regime. During World War II, Rome was bombed but not destroyed. After the war, Rome grew quickly and became famous for films made at Cinecittà Studios. The city's population peaked in the 1980s before slowly declining as people moved to the suburbs.

Geography

Rome is located in the Lazio region of central Italy along the Tiber River (called Tevere in Italian). The city began on seven hills, including the Palatine Hill and the Capitoline Hill. Today, Rome also has the Aniene River flowing through part of it. Though the city center is inland, parts of Rome reach the Tyrrhenian Sea, with the area of Ostia near the water.

Rome has many parks and gardens. Some famous ones include the Villa Borghese, Villa Ada, and Villa Doria Pamphili. These green spaces provide places to walk and relax. The city also has larger regional parks like the Pineto Regional Park and the Appian Way Regional Park.

Rome has a Mediterranean climate, meaning it has hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Summer temperatures can reach around 31 °C (88 °F) during the day, while winter temperatures are usually about 13 °C (55 °F). Snow is rare but can sometimes happen in winter. The city's average yearly temperature is about 21 °C (70 °F) during the day.

Demographics

People of Rome redirects here. For the ancient Roman political concept, see SPQR. For the 2003 film, see People of Rome (film).

See also: Demographics of Italy

Rome has been a large city for thousands of years. By 550 BC, it was the second largest city in Italy after Taras (modern Taranto) on the Salento Peninsula. Its population was around 35,000 but some think it could have been closer to 100,000.

When the Republic was founded in 509 BC the census recorded a population of 130,000, including the city itself and nearby areas. By 150 BC the population had surpassed 300,000.

The size of Rome at the time of the Emperor Augustus is not known for certain. Estimates vary widely, with some suggesting as low as 450,000 and others as high as 1.2 million. The population continued to change over the centuries, declining after the Roman Empire but growing again later.

In more recent times, when the Kingdom of Italy annexed Rome in 1870, the city had about 225,000 people. By 1881 the population was 275,000, and it grew to 600,000 by the start of World War I. The Fascist regime of Mussolini tried to control growth but the city still reached one million people by the early 1930s. After World War II the population kept growing, helped by a strong economy and new building.

In mid-2010, there were about 2.75 million residents in the city itself, with around 4.2 million in the larger Rome area. The city has a younger population than Italy as a whole, with about 17% minors (children under 18) compared to the Italian average of 18%. The average age of a Roman resident is 43, slightly younger than the Italian average of 42. Between 2002 and 2007, Rome's population grew by 6.54%, faster than the rest of Italy.

Rome's urban area extends beyond the city limits, with a population of around 3.9 million. About 9.5% of Rome's population is made up of non-Italians, many from other European countries such as Romania, Poland, Ukraine, and Albania, as well as from the Philippines, Bangladesh, and China. The Esquilino neighborhood has become a center for immigrants and is known for its many international restaurants and shops.

Main articles: Roman dialect and Latin

Rome has had a big effect on languages around the world. Through the process of Romanization, many languages in Italy, Gallia, the Iberian Peninsula and Dacia developed from Latin. Even modern English has many words that come from Latin because of the Norman Conquest. The Roman or Latin alphabet is used by many languages around the world.

The medieval Roman dialect was part of the southern group of Italian dialects and was closer to the Neapolitan language than to Florentine. Starting in the 16th century, the Roman dialect was strongly influenced by the Tuscan dialect, especially after the reigns of the two Medici popes (Leo X and Clement VII) and the Sack of Rome in 1527. Because of this, today's Romanesco dialect has grammar and roots that are different from other dialects in Central Italy.

Main article: Religion in Rome

See also: Vatican City and History of the Jews in Rome

Rome is a major center for Christianity and has been for centuries. Before Christianity, the city practiced the Religio Romana, with gods such as Jupiter, Mars, Vesta, and Minerva. After St Peter and St Paul were martyred in the city, Rome became a Christian center. The Old St. Peter's Basilica was built in 313 AD. Despite some interruptions, Rome has been the home of the Roman Catholic Church and the Pope.

Rome is also home to an important Jewish community. There are many churches in Rome, including the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, and others. The city also has important religious schools such as the Pontifical Lateran University, Pontifical Biblical Institute, Pontifical Gregorian University, and Pontifical Oriental Institute.

Rome has been a major Christian pilgrimage site since the Middle Ages. Many people visit Vatican City, which is within Rome, to see sites connected to the Pope and important Christian history. Rome also has Buddhist temples and modern pagan groups that celebrate the Natale di Roma, the festival marking the founding of the city. According to tradition, Rome was founded by Romulus on 21 April, 753 BC.

Government

See also: Mayor of Rome, City Council of Rome, Elections in Rome, and Administrative subdivisions of Rome

Rome is a special city called "Roma Capitale" and is the largest city in Italy in both land area and population. It is run by a mayor and a city council. The city hall is located in the Palazzo Senatorio on the Capitoline Hill, which has been the city's government center since 1144, making it the oldest city hall in the world.

Since 1972, Rome has been divided into areas called municipi for better local management. Each municipio has its own president and council elected by local residents every five years. Rome is also divided into historic areas known as rioni, which are mostly inside the old city walls.

Rome is the capital of Italy and serves as the country's political center. Important government buildings, including the offices of the President and Prime Minister, as well as both houses of Parliament, are located in Rome. The city also hosts many international organizations, including offices of the United Nations and the European Space Agency.

International relations

Rome has unique relationships with two sovereign states located within its city limits: the Holy See, represented by Vatican City, and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. The Vatican is a small enclave within Rome and is the spiritual center of the Roman Catholic Church. Rome also plays a key role in international affairs. It is home to important United Nations agencies and was the site of major historical agreements, such as the Treaty of Rome, which helped form the European Union.

Twin towns and sister cities

See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Italy

Since 1956, Rome has been officially twinned with Paris, France. Rome also has partnerships with many cities around the world, including:

• Paris, France
• Achacachi, Bolivia
• Algiers, Algeria
• Beijing, China
• Belgrade, Serbia
• Brasília, Brazil
• Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Cairo, Egypt
• Cincinnati, United States
• Kyiv, Ukraine
• Kobanî, Syria
• Kraków, Poland
• Madrid, Spain
• Multan, Pakistan
• New Delhi, India
• New York City, United States
• Plovdiv, Bulgaria
• Seoul, South Korea
• Sydney, Australia
• Tirana, Albania
• Tehran, Iran
• Tokyo, Japan
• Tongeren, Belgium
• Tunis, Tunisia
• Washington, D.C., United States
• Yerevan, Armenia

Economy

Main article: Economy of Rome

As the capital of Italy, Rome hosts many important national institutions, such as the Presidency of the Republic, the government, the Parliament, and main judicial courts. The city is also home to diplomatic representatives from many countries. International organizations, like the Food and Agriculture Organization and the International Fund for Agricultural Development, have their offices in Rome.

Rome is known as a "Beta +" city and was ranked 31st in the Global Cities Index in 2024. The city's economy is strong, with a GDP of around $240.73 billion in 2023. Rome's economy grows faster than other Italian cities, thanks to services, high-technology companies, research, construction, and tourism. The city is a major center for banking, insurance, and the movie industry, and it has many important business districts.

Main articles: Tourism in Rome and List of tourist attractions in Rome

Rome is one of the world's top tourist destinations, famous for its ancient ruins, art, and beautiful views. Major attractions include the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums, and many museums, churches, and historic sites. The city attracts millions of visitors each year, making tourism a key part of its economy. Rome is also a center for archaeological research and has many important ancient sites, such as the Roman Forum and the Pantheon. The city has a rich history of art, from ancient Roman times through the Renaissance and beyond, and today it continues to be a hub for modern and contemporary art.

Education

Rome is a very important city for learning and studying. It has many schools and universities, making it a key place for education around the world, especially during Ancient Rome and the Renaissance. One of its oldest universities is La Sapienza, founded in 1303, which is one of the largest in the world with over 140,000 students.

The city also has many other universities, such as Tor Vergata and Roma Tre, as well as special schools for topics like international affairs and design. Rome is home to important libraries too, including the Vatican Library, which has thousands of old books and manuscripts.

Culture

Main article: Culture in Rome

Rome is a city famous for its beautiful fountains, statues, and ancient structures. The city has many fountains of different styles, from old Classical designs to grand Baroque creations. These fountains have provided water for thousands of years and added beauty to the city's squares.

Rome is also well known for its statues, including special "talking statues" where people leave messages. The city has many important obelisks and columns, like the ones in famous squares, as well as bridges that cross the Tiber River. Rome also has many ancient catacombs, underground places used for burials long ago.

Entertainment and performing arts

Main articles: Music in Rome and Events in Rome

Rome is a key place for music, with famous music schools and theaters. It has hosted important music events like the Eurovision Song Contest and MTV Europe Music Awards. The city has a rich musical history, especially from the 16th and 17th centuries.

Between 1960 and 1970, Rome became a center for film, attracting many actors and directors. Via Vittorio Veneto was a glamorous spot where famous people gathered.

Fashion

Rome is a world fashion capital. It is the fourth most important center for fashion, after Milan, New York, and Paris. Many famous fashion brands have headquarters or stores in Rome, especially along the upscale Via dei Condotti.

Cuisine

Main article: Roman cuisine

Rome's cuisine has changed over time, influenced by Greek culture and later by the empire's expansion. During the Renaissance, Rome was known for its high cuisine, with famous chefs working for the popes. Traditional Roman dishes include oxtail, lamb, and artichokes. Popular foods today include saltimbocca, carciofi alla romana, and spaghetti alla carbonara.

Cinema

Main articles: List of films set in Rome and List of films set in ancient Rome

Rome is home to Cinecittà Studios, the largest film studio in Europe. Founded in 1937, it has been the location for many famous films and hosts thousands of film professionals. It offers all stages of film production in one place.

Sports

Association football is very popular in Rome. The city hosted World Cup finals in 1934 and 1990. Local teams SS Lazio and AS Roma play in the Derby della Capitale. Rome also hosted the 1960 Summer Olympics and has many sports teams in basketball, rugby, tennis, and more.

Transport

Main article: Transport in Rome

Rome is a major transportation hub in Italy, located at the center of a network of roads that spread out like spokes on a wheel. These roads follow the paths of ancient Roman roads that started at the Capitoline Hill and connected Rome to its vast empire. Today, a ring-road called the Grande Raccordo Anulare, or GRA, circles the city about 10 km from the center.

Rome has many ways to travel by rail, bus, and air. Its main railway station, Termini, is one of the busiest in Europe, with hundreds of thousands of people passing through each day. Rome also has three airports, the largest being Leonardo da Vinci International Airport in Fiumicino. The city has a metro system with three lines, and many buses and trams help people get around the city.