Ancient Rome Expert Answers Roman Empire Questions From Twitter | Tech Support | WIRED

Summary

In this informative video, Professor Lauren Ginsberg debunks myths and answers internet queries about Ancient Rome. She discusses the ceremonial use of togas, the practicality of Roman clothing, and the innovative use of urine for cleaning. She clarifies misconceptions about 'vomitorium' as exit pathways, reveals snacking habits in the Colosseum, and delves into the durability of Roman concrete. The professor also touches on gladiators' battles with lions, the Romans' advanced surgical tools, and the vibrant colors of their statues and buildings. She addresses the social aspects of Roman life, including public toilets, children's toys, and the rights of women, concluding with the complexities of defining Roman emperors and the pantheon of gods they worshipped.

Takeaways

• 👘 The average Roman did not wear a toga daily; it was a ceremonial garment due to its complexity and length.
• 🧼 Romans washed clothes in urine which breaks down into ammonia, a common ingredient in modern cleaners, for its cleaning properties.
• 🏟️ The term 'vomitorium' in ancient Rome referred to large stairways for quick evacuation of large venues, not places for vomiting after overeating.
• 🍇 Romans snacked on nuts, fruits, and grilled meat during events at the Colosseum, as discovered from residues found in the sewers.
• 🏛 Ancient Roman concrete has superior qualities, including rapid hardening and self-healing properties, due to the use of quick lime and lime clasts.
• 🦁 Gladiators fought lions in the Colosseum, but many survived and retired, indicating fights were often choreographed rather than deadly.
• ⚕️ Romans invented and used surgical tools that are strikingly similar to those used today, demonstrating their advanced medical practices.
• 🍷 Roman bars, or 'tabernae', were social hubs where people could get food and drink, much like modern neighborhood bars.
• 🎨 Greek and Roman statues were originally painted with vibrant colors, contrary to the pristine white marble appearance often associated with them.
• 🛏️ Roman sexual behavior was diverse and open, with access to contraception and a wide range of sexual expressions.
• 🤴 There is no definitive 'best' Roman emperor, as the concept of a fair ruler in the context of an autocratic empire is subjective and complex.

Q & A

Why did Romans wear togas and when were they typically worn?

Romans wore togas as a ceremonial gown, and it was not common for the average Roman to wear a toga in everyday life due to its length and complexity. The toga was recognized as a symbol of status and was worn during formal and religious occasions.

What was the basic Roman garment worn by people of any status?

The basic Roman garment was the tunic or tunica, which was essentially a long T-shirt worn by individuals of any status, male or female.

Did Romans really wash their clothes in urine and why was it effective?

Yes, Romans washed their clothes in urine because it breaks down into ammonia over time, which is a caustic substance that cleans effectively. The process involved soaking clothes in concentrated urine and then washing them with clean water in multiple vats.

What is the true meaning of 'vomitorium' in Ancient Rome and how is it misunderstood today?

The term 'vomitorium' comes from the Latin word 'vomit' meaning 'to send forth' and referred to large stairways designed to quickly disperse crowds from stadiums and theaters. It is often mistakenly believed to be a place for Romans to vomit after overeating.

What snacks did the Romans consume in the Colosseum based on recent archaeological findings?

Archaeological excavations in the Colosseum's drainage system revealed that Romans snacked on nuts, fruits like figs, peaches, and grapes, and also grilled meat on portable grills or braziers during events.

Why does ancient Roman concrete outperform modern concrete and what is the secret behind it?

Ancient Roman concrete contains lime clasts that are believed to be a result of using quick lime, which superheats the chemical process of concrete hardening and allows it to be self-healing to some extent. This contributes to its durability and resistance to stress.

Did gladiators in Ancient Rome really fight lions and how often did they die in these encounters?

Yes, gladiators fought lions in the Colosseum, but the frequency of their deaths was not as high as one might think. Many gladiators had successful careers, winning multiple competitions, and deaths were often prearranged.

What surgical tools did the Romans invent that are still in use today?

Romans did not invent but perfected surgical tools such as scalpels, tweezers, and forceps, which are still used in modern medicine with similar designs and materials.

Did Ancient Romans have bars and what were they like?

Ancient Romans had bars called tavernas where people could get drinks and food. Excavations in Pompeii revealed that these bars were social hubs in neighborhoods, similar to modern neighborhood bars.

Were Greek and Roman statues actually painted as suggested by recent findings?

Yes, Greek and Roman statues were painted with vibrant colors and patterns. The Romans were skilled painters and would have found plain white marble statues and buildings to be boring.

What misconceptions exist about the sexual behavior in Ancient Rome and how did Romans view sex?

Romans had a diverse and open sexual culture with sex happening both inside and outside of marriage for pleasure and procreation. They had access to contraception and had a spectrum of sexual behaviors and interests, contrary to the misconception of Ancient Rome being a 'sexual free for all'.

How did the Romans produce their coins and what materials were used?

Roman coins were produced through a hand stamping process using molds for the coin's design and metal discs for the base material. The images on both sides of the coin were imprinted by striking the mold with a hammer.

What were the leisure activities of Ancient Romans and did they have holidays?

Ancient Romans enjoyed leisure time at the coast, especially in the Bay of Naples, and had seaside villas for extended spa-like vacations. Additionally, they celebrated over 100 public holidays featuring various entertainment spectacles like gladiatorial matches and theatrical performances.

What can be inferred about the daily life of an average Roman citizen?

The daily life of an average Roman involved work in various trades such as shoemaking or sewing, living in rented spaces above their shops, and dealing with common issues like poor maintenance and noisy neighbors.

What is the significance of the hemp plant in Ancient Rome and did they use it for recreational purposes?

Hemp, known as cannabis in Latin, was valued by Romans for its utility in making ropes and other products. There is no evidence that Romans smoked it or recognized its psychoactive properties for recreational use.

Why is there a discrepancy in the number of Roman emperors recorded by historians?

The difficulty in counting Roman emperors arises from the empire's size, the presence of multiple claimants backed by armies, usurpers, and the lack of clear rules for declaring an emperor. Sometimes, the only evidence of a claimant's reign is a single coin.

How did Romans view their pantheon of gods and what was unique about their religious beliefs?

Romans believed in a vast array of gods and divine beings associated with various natural phenomena and aspects of life. They saw the divine in many places and sought to connect with it through religious practices, unlike the specific count of gods in other cultures.

What is the historical validity of the story of Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome?

Romulus and Remus are legendary figures with a story that includes being nursed by a she-wolf, overthrowing an evil king, and founding Rome. However, even Romans were skeptical about the factual basis of this story, viewing it more as a myth similar to other cultural legends.