Ancient Rome

Describes many of the innovative inventions that the Romans incorporated into their daily lives, including aqueducts, hot baths, and central heating.

We rely on technology to make our lives easier, faster, and better. Our buildings, machinery, vehicles, clothes, metals, food, medicines, and weapons depend upon it. But many of the technologies we currently use have their origins in the distant past.

Children's Literature

The city of Rome still exists today, with many buildings that have stood for more than 3,000 years. At its peak, the Roman Empire was one of the largest empires in history. Buildings such as the Colosseum are still standing today because of superb engineering and excellent materials such as concrete. Homes were very comfortable and even had under-floor heating. Roman architects took many ideas from the Greeks, but they also developed arches and domes. The Romans used water brought from aqueducts to create public baths and sewer systems. Roman roads were well constructed and completely straight; many of them still survive today. The Romans traveled by road in carts and carriages, and also by sea in ships. They used the waterwheel to grind grain into flour for bread. Most of their clothing was made from linen or wool, and they dyed it using various colors, reserving purple for royalty because the dye was so expensive and rare. They worked with bronze, iron, steel, gold, and glass. Medical practices included surgery, drugs, anesthesia, and trepanation. Roman military technology allowed them to expand and defend their empire. This title from the "Technology in Times Past" series is a very good resource for children learning about ancient Rome. Reviewer: Amie Rose Rotruck