Rome

history · italy · ancient civilization · cities

Ancient Powerhouse. Rome was the center of one of history's greatest empires, ruling over huge parts of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East for hundreds of years. The Romans built incredible structures like the Colosseum and aqueducts that still stand today.

Seven Hills. Rome sits on seven famous hills in central Italy along the Tiber River, which is why people call it the City of Seven Hills. These hills shaped how the city grew and developed over thousands of years.

Vatican Inside. Vatican City, the home of the Pope and the Catholic Church, is a tiny independent country completely surrounded by Rome's city boundaries. It's the only country in the world that exists entirely within another city.

Massive Metro Area. Today, Rome is Italy's biggest city with about 2.7 million people living there, and its metropolitan area has over 4.2 million people. It's one of the largest cities in all of Europe.

The Eternal City. Romans call their city the Eternal City because it has lasted so long and continues to be important and beautiful after more than 2,500 years. Its influence on Western culture, art, and law shaped the entire world.