Browse Exhibits (4 total)

Aqueducts and Engineering

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The ability for Rome to survive depending on the key element of water. No civilization can survive without potable water. The Romans would exploit the land by engineering a clever way to provide running water over two thousand years ago. The discovery of the Roman arch which was borrowed from the earlier Etruscans provided a way to produce breathtaking construction projects, along with the blueprints to produce the aqueducts that still stand today.

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Entertainment in the Ancient World

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Bread and Circuses remains a popular phase in the political community. The idea the state must provided both sustinance and entertainment was very alive in ancient Rome. Their entertainment was similar to the modern era, albiet much less violent. Bloodsports provided an outlet for the crowds to enjoy, and the state used this to clear out condemmed men. That is not to say every "fun" option ended in bloodshed. Indeed, the theater provided retellings of Greek dramas, along with Roman comedies and political satire. A proverbial Saturday night out was a common occurance for the average Roman.

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Roman Roads: The Arteries of Empire

Roman Legion Location in 14 AD

A detailed look at the amazing road system built by the Romans. These roads still stand today throughout the former Empire despite being over 2,000 years old. The majority of construction was not done by civil servants, but by Roman soldiers on route to new areas. The road's primary purpose was to allow swift military movement across the Empire, but provided economic expansion opening markets previously too far for trade. 

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Sanitation Across the Empire

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The smells of civilization, let alone in the ancient world, are not the most pleasant. With the average person creating about 320lbs of solid waste a year, Roman offcials had to find ways to manage wastewater. This lead towards two basic, yet supremely importants parts of managing wastewater: the construction of Cloacas (sewers), along with construction of toilets. While not as advanced as the modern era, it is worth noting that having a wastewater disposal along with public latrines offered better options than the vast majority of history.

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