Culture

The early Roman life centered on the city of Rome, built on the seven hills and its various monumental structures. Several theaters, gymnasiums, baths, taverns and brothels formed an integral part of the city life and its culture. The taste and expertise of Roman architecture were reflected in all kinds of constructions ranging from the modest houses to the country villas. Constructions such as the Flavian Amphitheatre (presently known as the Colosseum), the Pantheon and the Forum of Trojan also bear the mark of artistry and elegance of the Roman architecture. It is also believed that the word ‘palace' was derived from the imperial residences built on the Palantile Hill.

With a population rising over a million, the city of Rome was the largest metropolis in the early days. Due to a smooth transportation arrangement an excellent commerce system prevailed between the provinces of the ancient Rome. The majority of the Roman population used to live in the countryside, with the exceptions of the landlords who usually lived in the cities and left their estates in the care of the farm managers. The rural slaves were very badly treated and were in a worse condition than those who were working in the aristocratic households.

In the middle of the 2nd century BC, the Greek culture started to dominate the typical Roman upper class section. The Hellenized culture was thus, reflected in every sphere of the society including the architecture of the contemporary period. Even the Roman cuisine, described in the cookery books ascribed to Apicius, was written in Greek. However, law and governance in Rome was found to be following the Italic nature of Roman culture. The present Roman culture has been developed against this backdrop and still maintains some parts of it. Also the long association with fine arts, music, and drama has been an essential part of the Roman cultural heritage and supremacy.

A. Music

Music has always been an integral part of the Roman culture. The classical orchestral concerts are typical to the musical heritage of Rome. The Rome Symphony Orchestra, the oldest symphony in the South, was built in 1921.

Various theatres in Rome today cater to the music lovers and host live music shows. The theater of Opera, built in the 1880s, has hosted a number of premieres of some of the most famous works of Cavalleria rusticana, Tosca and many others. With a permanent orchestra, ballet company and choir the theatre now prides a multi-media historical archive. Some of the other major musical venues in Rome include the National Academy of Santa Cecilia, authorized in 1566 by Pope Gregory XIII, The Roman Philharmonic Academy, the Lazio Symphony Orchestra, the Youth Symphony Orchestra and the new Parco della Musica, the gigantic complex, housing three large auditoriums. The Aula Magna Sapienza University sponsors an active musical season.

B. Language

The official language of Rome is Italian. Over fifty percent of the words spoken by the people of Rome have their roots in the Latin language. For centuries, English language has not only eventually developed as an International language, but has also served as the foundation of several other languages such as Spanish, Italian, and French. Although, pure Latin is no more spoken in Rome, the language remains in the writings of the Roman poets and historians.

C. Religious Practices

The religious beliefs of the early Romans were not based on one central belief but a combination of fragmented superstitions, rituals, traditions, and taboos. The early Romans accepted religious practices more as a contractual relationship between man and the ruling forces of the Universe rather than a spiritual devotion and bonding towards God. It is also believed that the overall practical attitude of the Romans made it difficult for them to accept the idea of the existence an all mighty single God.

All this resulted in a State cult and a family head. While the State cult influenced the military and political events, the family head looked after the domestic rituals and prayers just as a representative of the public looks after public ceremonials.

The roman gods and goddesses had an association with the Greek culture. Also many had their roots in the religions of the Latin tribes. Some of these gods and goddesses include Apollo, the god of healing and prophecy, Bacchus, the god of wine, Diana, the goddess of light and unity, Faunus, the god of fertility, Flora, the god of fertility and flowers and Isis, the goddess of earth. Also included are Vulcan, the god of fire, Pomona, the goddess of fruit and Roma, the goddess of Rome. Almost every month in the Roman calendar celebrates some religious festival or the other.

Most of the religious activities in ancient Rome required some kind of sacrifice. Prayers seemed to be quite confusing because of multiple names of the same deity and sometimes even the gender of the deity remained unknown. Superstitions also form an integral part of the Roman beliefs. The superstitious Roman emperors would act and decide their moves according to omens.

Christianity became an officially supported religion under Constantine I, ruling from 324 AD to 337 AD. Emperor Theodosius I prohibited all the other cults in 391 AD except Christianity as a result of which the destruction of the temples began. Since then, the Roman Catholic Church has been one of the greatest religious institutions in Rome as well as in the other parts of the world. The influence of the church is reflected in all the areas of the local lifestyle.

D. Major Events

Castle Sant' Angelo Book Fair

The Castle Sant' Angelo Book Fair has been growing in popularity every year with games, children's story time and drama workshops arranged in the venue. Well-known publishers, authors and specialist bookshops mark the unique features of the book fair. Apart from the opportunity to meet the renowned authors, people take part in literary debates and enjoy concerts, cabaret performances and film screenings. Prizes are arranged for those who can crack complex puzzles, which makes the event even more exciting.

Festival of Latin American Music and Culture

This Latin American Festival can be a treat to the music lovers held in summer, near Capanelle Hippodrome. Some of the greatest singers and musicians of Latin American music perform in this festival including several artists performing alternative music to add color to this grand occasion. Numerous stands on the site provide information about the culture and cuisine of Latin America.

Cost of tickets: EUR 8.

Concert times: 9:30pm daily

Natale di Rome

The city of Rome celebrates its birthday every year on April 21st in a grand fashion. The city was created in 753 BC, which eventually conquered almost all the parts of the world. The celebration takes place mostly near the ‘Milte Ignoto', the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in Piazza Venezia. The Fosse Ardeatine on Via Ardeatina also serves as one of the major venues where the celebration takes place with the best military bands marching with the tune and wreaths of flowers placed in the site.

Natale Oggi

If you are confused about selecting the perfect Christmas gift for your friends and family then Rome is surely the place to be where the Fiera di Roma plays host to this fascinating exhibition of Natale Oggi. A wide range of ideas to choose Christmas presents including several goods catering to each and every aspect of Christmas celebrations can be found here. With a variety of exhibitors flocking from all over the world the Natale Oggi exhibition has gained a lot of importance.

Epiphany Fair

The Epiphany Fair takes place at Piazza Navona, where the lovely Bernini fountains are situated. The Epiphany celebrations have always been an integral part of the Italian tradition. In keeping with this tradition Rome celebrates the twelfth night of Christmas with grandeur and style. Children are presented with toys, candies and other delightful items. It is still a common habit of some Italians to holiday gift-exchange for this grand night. Free admission is allowed to all providing an opportunity to look at one of the major Roman events that combines both religious and cultural tradition of the city.

Open from: 6pm - 8pm

Rome Marathon

The Rome Marathon is not only important for the athletes and sports lovers but also for the Roman citizens. The stretch of this Marathon covers all the major attractions of the capital and is combined with a host of other activities such as concerts and cultural programs. The participation fee in the run costs EUR 20.65. Other details including the race route can be found out by calling for registration.

Tel: +39 06 40 65 064

Fax: +39 06 40 65 063

E. Etiquettes / Do's & Don'ts

Do's

? Have all your business cards printed in Italian in the reverse side, instead of only English.

? Write your full title and educational qualifications in details, as the people in Rome would be interested to do business with important people.

? Always maintain decorum in your general behavior. Italian people appreciate that and term it is ‘bella figura' (beautiful figure) and consider it as an ability to present yourself well in public.

? While shopping use your credit cards as much as possible. You can also withdraw cash (Euros) from the ATMs.

? Save money utilizing the free breakfast offers in your hotels or by dining in pizzerias and trattorias.

? Younger people in Rome usually give their seats to older people while traveling in public transport. Try and maintain the custom.

Don'ts

? Avoid walking near the traffic congested areas. The drivers would not be responsible to watch out for the pedestrians.

? Do not wear shorts, minis and tank tops while visiting the major religious attractions and churches in Rome. A strict dress code is followed in these places.

? Do not hesitate to bargain while buying goods from the street vendors.

? Do not chew, lean or slouch in public.

? Do not place your hand on your stomach while interacting with others. It indicates your dislike for the other person.

? Avoid raising your fingers and hands.

IX More Information / Resources

A. Tourism Offices

Municipal Tourist Information Booths

Open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10am - 6pm and Sunday until 1

Largo Goldoni

Tel: +39 06 6875027

Largo Corrado Ricci (near Colosseum)

Tel: +39 06 6780992

Via Nazionale (Esposizioni Palace)

Tel: +39 06 4746262

Ept - Tourist Information

Via Parigi 5, Tel: 06/4889-9253

Open weekdays 8:15-7:15, Saturday 8:15-1:15.

Ept - Tourist Information

Office at Termini Station (near Track 4)

Ept - Tourist Information

Office at Leonardo da Vinci Airport

B. Italian Embassies

Canada

Office: Embassy

Street Address: 275, Slater Street, 21st floor

Postal Address:

City: Ottawa

State: Ontario

Country: Canada

Tel: (+1-613) 2322401~3

Fax: (+1-613) 2331484 2348424

Email: ambital@italyincanada.com

Website: www.italyincanada.com

UK

Office: Embassy

Street Address: 14, Three Kings Yard

Postal Address:

City: London

State: London

Country: United Kingdom

Tel: (+44-20) 73122200

Fax: (+44-20) 73122230

Email: ambasciata.londra@esteri.it

Website: www.embitaly.org.uk/

USA

Office: Embassy

Street Address: 3000 White haven Street

Postal Address:

City: Washington

State: District of Columbia

Country: USA

Tel: (+1-202) 6124400

Fax: (+1-202) 5182154

Email: stampa@itwash.org

Website: www.italyemb.org

C. Foreign Embassies serving in Rome

Canada

Canadian Embassy

Via Salaria, 243

00199 Rome, Italy

TeleTel: + (39) 06-85.444.1

Fax: + (39) 06-85.444.3915

Office: Embassy

Street Address: Via G.B. de Rossi, 27

Postal Address:

City: Roma

State: Roma

Country: Italy

Tel: (+39-6) 445981

Fax: (+39-6) 445983760

Email: rome@dfait-maeci.gc.ca

Website: www.canada.it

UK

Office: Embassy

Street Address: Via XX Settembre, 80/a

Postal Address:

City: Roma

State: Roma

Country: Italy

Tel: (+39-6) 42200001

Fax: (+39-6) 42202333

Email: RomePoliticalSection@fco.gov.uk

Website: www.britain.it

USA

Office: Embassy

Street Address: Palazzo Margherita - Via Vittorio Veneto, 119/a

Postal Address:

City: Roma

State: Roma

Country: Italy

Tel: (+39-6) 46741

Fax: (+39-6) 4882672, 46742356

Website : www.usembassy.it, www.usis.it