Roman culture has left a lasting impact on many aspects of modern society. Here are some key areas where Roman influences are still evident today:
Roads and Highways: The Romans were pioneers in road construction, creating a network of durable roads that connected their empire. Their surviving roads show the importance they placed on surveying, drainage and durable construction.
Concrete: The Romans developed concrete on a remarkable scale, which is still a fundamental building material today. Many modern structures, from bridges to skyscrapers, rely on concrete.
Aqueducts: Roman aqueducts were engineering marvels that transported water over long distances. Aqueducts illustrate the scale of Roman public engineering.
Central Heating: The Romans developed hypocaust systems for heating public baths and private homes. This was an effective ancient form of underfloor heating.
Sewers: The Cloaca Maxima, one of the world’s earliest sewage systems, was built by the Romans. It remains a famous example of ancient urban drainage.
Roman Numerals: Although not used for everyday calculations, Roman numerals are still used in various contexts, such as clock faces, book chapters and movie credits.
Stadiums: The design of modern sports stadiums can be traced back to Roman amphitheatres, which were used for public entertainment.
Legal System: Many legal principles and practices in modern law have their roots in Roman law.
Architecture: Roman architectural styles, such as the use of arches, domes and columns, continue to influence building designs today.
Language: Latin developed into Romance languages such as Spanish, French and Italian. English is a Germanic language with a large Latin-derived vocabulary.
These are influences from the wider Roman world and its later reception. They do not all represent practices passed directly from the Roman occupation of Scotland to modern Scotland.
