Why is Rome called the Eternal City?
Rome earned the title the Eternal City from the Roman poet Tibullus in the 1st century BC. The phrase was later taken up by Ovid, Virgil, and Livy, and has been associated with the city ever since.
Questions about Rome
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What country is located inside the city of Rome?
Vatican City, the smallest country in the world, is located entirely within Rome's city boundaries. It is the headquarters of the worldwide Catholic Church under the governance of the Holy See, and is the only existing example of a country within a city.
When was Rome founded according to Roman tradition?
According to Roman tradition, Romulus founded Rome on the 21st of April 753 BC. This date became the basis of the Roman chronological system known as Ab Urbe condita, meaning "from the founding of the City."
How large was Rome's population at the height of the Roman Empire?
Estimates of Rome's population at its peak vary widely. Whitney Oates estimated 1.2 million, Neville Morley suggested around 800,000, and Glenn Storey estimated 450,000. The wide range reflects different methods of calculation, including grain distribution records and aqueduct capacity.
What happened to Rome during World War II?
Rome largely escaped the destruction suffered by other European cities during World War II, due to its art treasures and the presence of the Vatican. However, on the 19th of July 1943, Allied bombing raids struck the San Lorenzo district, killing about 3,000 people and injuring 11,000 more. German forces occupied the city from the 8th of September 1943 until its liberation on the 4th of June 1944.
What major international treaty was signed in Rome?
The Treaty of Rome was signed in the city in 1957, establishing the European Economic Community, which later became the European Union. Rome also hosted the signing of the proposed European Constitution in July 2004.