The city of Rome was founded by two brothers, Romulus and Remus. According to legend, they were raised by a she-wolf and began the city on the Palatine Hill. Soon after, the seven hills of Rome were all inhabited. The seven hills are: the Aventine, Caelian, Capitoline, Esquiline, Palatine, Quirinal, and Viminal hills. Rome grew and eventually became the center of the world for many centuries. The Romans built many roads throughout their Empire, all of which led back to Rome.

Daily life in Rome around the time of Ignatius was less than boring. Public games were held often, and over one half of the year was spent in religious holiday. Children often went to school or were tutored, while the adults spent time at the baths or on the Campus Martius. There were several other public places including the Forum. For a thorough treatment of Roman Daily life, see Adkins, Lesley and Roy A. Adkins, Handbook to Life in Ancient Rome. Facts on File, New York, 1994.

Picture compliments: http://www.taisei.co.jp/cg_e/ancient_world/rome/arome.html