Page 26 - A History of the World in 25 Cities
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The city of Rome in Italy ruled a powerful empire that stretched from the deserts of Africa to cold northern Britain. Known as the ‘capital of the world’, it was the most important city in the Mediterranean for over a thousand years.
This enormous domed building was dedicated to the worship of all the Roman gods.
Food and goods were transported along the great River Tiber. The river also carried away the city’s sewage.
Rome’s record hall.
Generals came here to thank the god Jupiter for victory in battle.
Rome was a very crowded city with many dangers on its unevenly paved streets. The city watchmen doubled up as Rome’s fire brigade and every household was required by law to keep firefighting equipment – such was the danger of fire in the densely packed city.
