When In Rome....
The Romans also had central heating, refrigeration and sewage systems. Not as we know them today of course, but they introduced a basic system to be worked upon and adapted. Refrigeration for example was a hole in the ground in which they placed their food. It was then packed with snow and other materials. Brings a whole new meaning to digging up the potatoes doesn't it?
Towns
Many towns were created by the Romans. London was one of them, or Londinium as it was then known. All towns in England today that end with 'chester' or 'cester' are more than likely Roman. Skilled engineers, the Romans built bridges and Aquaducts – bridges that carried water to the Roman towns.
One famous construction left by the Romans, is Hadrian's Wall, named after the Emperor that built it, it sits on the border of Scotland and England.
Food
The Romans liked nothing better than a good feast! They introduced Britain to fruits and vegetables such as apples, grapes, pears, carrots and turnips. So you can blame them for having to eat those veggies too!
So as you can see, we might have had to put up with their presence, but they brought some good stuff with them. Have a look at these sites for more information on the Romans:
The BBC has some super information on the Roman invasion of Britain.
Take me there!
The School History Website offers quizzes so that you can test your knowledge of the Romans.
Take me there!
Do Roman numerals confuse you? Then have a look at this site. There is a page listing for every number from 1 to 2100 in Arabic and Roman form. And another for those who are completely lost which allows you to look up the Roman number in alphabetical order.
Have a look!
Check these out too!
Romans in Sussex
Fishbourne Roman Palace
Romans In Britain
Next Time - Roman Life!
Photographs very kindly supplied by Leo C. Curran ©1997-2002. Please visit Leo's excellent Maecenas, Images of Ancient Greece and Rome website for more superb images. Thank you Leo.
Sources: Life in Roman Britain; Tony McAleavy. Published by English Heritage; December 1999.
Roman Building; Jean-Pierre Adam, Michael Fulford. Routledge, an imprint of Taylor & Francis Books Ltd.; April 1999.
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