The Romans didn’t actually invent a lot of the things they’re famous for – sewers, roads, the alphabet and aqueducts were all advanced by the Romans rather than created – but none can doubt their claim to the hypocaust, an efficient form of underfloor heating. A furnace heats an open space below a floor supported by stacks of bricks, warming both tiles and feet.

They also pioneered an extremely durable and water-resistant brand of concrete, which has helped their temples and bathhouses stand for millennia and counting. It's not a coincidence that the Colosseum is still a proud part of Rome's skyline, while many more recent monuments have crumbled to dust.

Liking this? Click on the Follow button above for more great stories from loveEXPLORING

Surprising facts about Ancient Rome you probably never knew