Author: Made of Rome

Travelers have always sought guidance when exploring new lands. In ancient Rome, some of the earliest “tourist guides” took the form of maps. These ancient cartographic masterpieces not only directed visitors through the bustling city but also showcased the beauty and ingenuity of Roman engineering. Early Roman Maps: Navigating the Eternal CityAncient Roman maps served…

In the ancient world, Roman mosaics were more than just stunning works of art; they were a testament to the skill, culture, and innovation of the Roman Empire. These intricate masterpieces, crafted from small pieces of colored stones, glass, or tiles (known as tesserae), were prized possessions that represented the grandeur of Rome. But what…

In ancient Rome, gift-giving was more than just a gesture of goodwill; it was a reflection of social status, alliances, and the cultural values of the time. When distinguished travelers visited the city—be they politicians, scholars, or dignitaries—the Romans would often present them with thoughtful gifts that represented the city’s wealth, traditions, and artistic excellence.…

In the Middle Ages, Rome was not only a center of political and cultural power but also a sacred destination for Christian pilgrims. Pilgrims traveled great distances to visit the Eternal City, drawn by its holy relics, basilicas, and spiritual significance. But just like today’s travelers, these medieval visitors wanted to bring back keepsakes as…

Sometimes, the greatest ideas come from the most unexpected places. The naming of Pluto is one such story, where a young girl’s imagination left a permanent mark on astronomy. Venetia Burney, an 11-year-old schoolgirl from Oxford, England, suggested the name Pluto, which became the official name of the celestial body discovered in 1930. The Discovery…

The planets in our solar system are more than just celestial bodies—they’re stories written in the stars. The names of the planets, deeply rooted in Roman mythology, reflect ancient beliefs and cultural interpretations of the heavens. But how did these names come about, and why do they resonate so strongly with Roman gods? Let’s explore…

The seven days of the week have been a part of human life for millennia, and their names carry echoes of ancient civilizations. In the Western world, the names of the days are deeply tied to Roman mythology and astronomy, reflecting the cultural and scientific priorities of the ancient world. Let’s unravel how each day…

The months of the year have a peculiar rhythm—some with 30 days, others with 31, and February standing out with just 28 days (29 in leap years). But how did we end up with this uneven distribution? To understand, we must look back to ancient Rome and the evolution of its calendar, shaped by superstition,…

When the clock struck midnight on December 31, 1999, millions of people around the world celebrated the arrival of the new millennium. Fireworks lit up the skies, and the world welcomed the year 2000 with joy and anticipation. But here’s the twist: technically, the new millennium didn’t start until January 1, 2001. How did we…

The concept of numbering years from a specific starting point might feel intuitive now, but the system we use today has a surprisingly complex and fascinating history. What is commonly called the “Year Zero” wasn’t actually calculated during Jesus Christ’s lifetime but centuries later, with potential mistakes that still intrigue historians and astronomers. And, as…