The Roman Empire might have fallen over 1,500 years ago, but its influence is still deeply embedded in our modern world. From language and law to architecture and engineering, the Romans left behind a legacy that continues to shape how we live today. Here are seven fascinating facts about the Roman Empire that still impact us in surprising ways.
1. The Latin Language Lives On
Latin, the official language of Rome, might be considered a “dead” language, but it’s far from extinct. It forms the backbone of the Romance languages—Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Romanian—which evolved from Vulgar Latin spoken by common people in the empire.
Even in English, 60% of words have Latin roots, especially in science, medicine, and law. Terms like “et cetera,” “per capita,” and “status quo” are still widely used. The Roman habit of inscribing monumental buildings also influenced modern typography—many fonts today are based on Roman inscriptions like Trajan’s Column.
2. The Roman Legal System Shapes Modern Law
The concept of “innocent until proven guilty” comes directly from Roman law. The empire established a structured legal system that included:
- Written statutes (like the Twelve Tables)
- Trial by jury
- The idea of contracts and property rights
Many modern legal principles, including civil law (used in Europe and Latin America), are derived from Justinian’s Code, a massive legal compilation from the 6th century. Even the U.S. Constitution borrows ideas from Roman governance, such as checks and balances and representative democracy.
3. Roman Roads Paved the Way for Modern Infrastructure
The saying “All roads lead to Rome” wasn’t just a metaphor—the Romans built over 250,000 miles of roads, some of which are still in use today. Their engineering techniques, like layered foundations and drainage systems, set the standard for modern highways.
These roads weren’t just for travel—they were crucial for trade, military movement, and communication. The efficiency of Roman roads inspired modern infrastructure, including the U.S. Interstate Highway System, designed partly for military logistics, much like Rome’s network.
4. The Calendar We Use Is (Mostly) Roman
Before Julius Caesar, Rome used a lunar calendar that was constantly out of sync with the seasons. In 45 BCE, Caesar introduced the Julian Calendar, a solar-based system with 365 days and a leap year.
This calendar was so effective that it remained in use for over 1,600 years until Pope Gregory XIII tweaked it into the Gregorian Calendar in 1582—the same one we use today. Even the names of the months (July for Julius Caesar, August for Augustus) are Roman relics.
5. Concrete: A Roman Invention That Still Stands
The Pantheon, built nearly 2,000 years ago, still has the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. Roman concrete was so durable because they used volcanic ash (pozzolana), which made it resistant to seawater—something modern scientists are still studying.
Today, researchers are trying to replicate Roman concrete for eco-friendly construction, as it lasts longer and requires less maintenance than modern cement. The U.S. military has even explored using it for seawall reinforcements.
6. The Roman Republic Inspired Modern Governments
The U.S. Founding Fathers looked to Rome’s Republic (509–27 BCE) when designing America’s government. Key Roman concepts that still influence politics include:
- Senates (Rome had one; so does the U.S.)
- Veto power (from the Latin “I forbid”)
- Representative democracy (Rome had elected officials)
Even political terms like “candidate” (from candidatus, meaning someone wearing a white toga) and “forum” (a public discussion space) come from Rome.
7. Roman Entertainment Influenced Modern Sports and Media
The Colosseum wasn’t just a brutal gladiator arena—it was the ancient equivalent of a stadium, theater, and reality TV show combined. Romans loved mass entertainment, and their spectacles influenced:
- Modern stadium designs (like circular arenas)
- Sports culture (gladiator fights were the UFC of their time)
- Public broadcasting (events were free to citizens, much like public TV)
Even the phrase “bread and circuses” (panem et circenses) describes how governments keep people content with entertainment—something still relevant in today’s media landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Did the Romans invent plumbing? A: Not exactly, but they perfected it! Rome had aqueducts, public baths, and sewage systems that were unmatched until the 19th century.
Q: Why did the Roman Empire fall? A: There’s no single reason, but factors include economic troubles, invasions (like the Goths and Huns), political corruption, and overexpansion.
Q: Are there any Roman inventions we still use? A: Yes! Besides concrete and roads, Romans gave us bound books (codex), newspapers (Acta Diurna), and even central heating (hypocaust systems).
Q: How long did the Roman Empire last? A: The Western Roman Empire lasted from 27 BCE to 476 CE, while the Eastern (Byzantine) Empire survived until 1453 CE.
Final Thoughts
The Roman Empire’s innovations were so advanced that we’re still benefiting from them today. Whether it’s the words we speak, the laws we follow, or the roads we drive on, Rome’s influence is everywhere. Next time you flip a calendar, walk on a paved street, or hear a legal term, remember—you’re experiencing a little piece of ancient Rome.
What’s your favorite Roman contribution to modern life? Let us know in the comments!