Crassus, a wealthy Roman, used his fire brigade to extort money from property owners by threatening to let their homes burn unless they paid him.

Rome frequently experienced devastating fires due to its wooden structures and lack of fire codes, leading to significant portions of the city burning periodically.

In ancient Rome, wealthy citizens often lived on the ground floor of buildings to escape fires, contrary to modern expectations where the wealthy occupy penthouses.

The Romans often viewed business and profit-making as shameful, leading to a reliance on private contractors for tax collection, which resulted in exploitation of provinces.

Nero attempted to organize fire relief efforts in Rome during actual fires, countering the narrative that he was indifferent while the city burned.

In early Roman society, only property owners could serve in the legions, reflecting the belief that those who fought for Rome should have a vested interest in its defense.

The Romans had a sophisticated system of aqueducts and public latrines, but waste management often involved chamber pots that were emptied out of windows, contributing to unsanitary conditions.

The rise of major urban centers in Rome led to a society where people often bounced around from patron to patron to make a living.

Political leaders in ancient Rome were also military leaders, expected to lead their armies into battle and demonstrate their commitment to the society they governed.