Rome is the capital city of Italy and one of the most influential cities in human history. For over a thousand years, Rome was the center of the Roman Empire, which at its height controlled much of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. The Romans built magnificent roads, aqueducts, and buildings, many of which still stand today. They developed systems of law and government that shaped Western civilization. When people visit Rome now, they can walk through the ancient Colosseum where gladiators once fought, or see the Pantheon, a temple built nearly 2,000 years ago.

The phrase “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” means you should follow the customs of the place you're visiting. If you say “Rome wasn't built in a day,” you're reminding someone that great achievements take time and patience. The Roman Empire was so powerful and lasted so long that its influence echoes through our language, laws, architecture, and culture. Many European languages, including Spanish, French, and Italian, evolved from Latin, the language the Romans spoke.

Today, Rome remains an important cultural center. It also surrounds Vatican City, the world's smallest independent country and headquarters of the Catholic Church.