It is estimated that ancient Rome's inhabitant count was proportionally higher than modern-day Rome. Insulae (apartments) were multistoried, and roads so narrow that neighbors on opposite sides could lean over their balconies and shake hands. Frequent traffic related deaths and injuries led to strict conveyance laws. To the chagrin of merchants, carts and wagons could only use the streets after dark. (See First Century Life: Night Traffic)

Ancient Romans did not consume sugar; they sweetened their food with honey and dates. First century historian, Pliny the Elder, described sugar as medicinal: "Sugar is made in Arabia as well, but Indian sugar is better. It is a kind of honey found in cane, white as gum, and it crunches between the teeth. It comes in lumps the size of a hazelnut. Sugar is used only for medical purposes."

A widespread Mediterranean species that grows in most districts of Israel and Jordan. According to Dr. Avinoam Danin, it is one of the clearest plant images perceived on the Shroud. Botanical evidence, together with additional physical data, suggest that the Shroud originated from the vicinity of Jerusalem. (See: Shroud Science)

Augustus was born in 63 BC with the given name of Octavius. After his adoption in 44 BC by his great-uncle, Julius Caesar, he was known as Octavian. In 27 BC, the Roman Senate conferred upon him the name Augustus, meaning exalted one.

The owner of Putelolana the dog wrote this graffiti on a Pompeian city wall.

Catastrophic fires and collapsing structures induced Augustus to implement building restrictions.

Early Roman and Constantinople sport enthusiasts were fanatical spectators. They developed elaborate chants and songs for both the gladiatorial and chariot games, and riots were not infrequent. The most violent is referred to as the Nike Riot of AD 532. Thirty thousand people were killed, and nearly all of Constantinople burned down.

This hybrid race was a short-lived spectacle event. The only known reference is from the famous charioteer, Publius Aellius Gutta Calpurnianus, winner of 1,127 races. His inscription boasts, "I constructed this monument while still alive."

The highest quality oil is from beaten or pounded olives. The result is a clear and colorless oil which burns a nearly smokeless flame. (See Puzzling Scriptures: Olives Beaten for the Light)

Sal, in Latin, means salt. Special salt rations given to Roman soldiers were called salarium argentum, the forerunner of the English word salary. Some scholars assert that soldiers were paid in salt, while others believe they were given an allowance, or salary, to purchase it. Because early Romans salted their leafy greens, the Latin word salata (salty) is the origin of the word salad. Worth one's salt meant you were competent and earned your salary.