Forget about Her Majesty, the day belongs to Rome.
Rome – much like Queen Elizabeth II – is no spring chicken. Curiously, the Monarch's birthday falls on the anniversary of the Founding of Rome.
According to popular legend, Romulus killed Remus on April 21st 753 BC to be crowned the first king of Rome. The event is still celebrated in the city today, with historical parades and re-enactments.
While there's no doubt Her Majesty has achieved much in 90 years, Rome has done much more in its 2769. Here's five reasons why it's worth raising a glass to The Eternal City today.
Rome was the world's first millionaire city
In the second century BC Rome's population swelled to over 1 …show more content…
The ancient city invented a precursor to the modern newspaper, known as the Acta Diurna.
The Acta Diuna or 'daily acts' were carved on a stone tablets and left in public squares so that the population could keep up to date with what was going on in the city.
Rome gave us iconic cuisine.
Not all of Rome's glories are in the distant past. The city has given birth to some of Italy's most iconic cuisine.
For example, the delicious Spaghetti alla Carbonara (made with raw egg, pecorino cheese and fried pancetta) was born in 19th century Rome.
That's not to mention the many other delicious, yet lesser-known, dishes the city is famous for like amatriciana – made with pancetta and rich tomato passata – or caccio e peppe, made with salty pecorino romano cheese.
Rome continues to inspire.
Thanks to it's 2769 year history, the city of Rome is an open-air museum, stuffed full of historical and cultural treasures and home to mouth-watering gastronomy.
These factors have inspired some of the greatest minds from around the globe, renaissance philosopher Niccolo Machiavelli and one-time resident, Jame's Joyce are just two illustrious figures on whom the city has left her indelible mark.
Here's to you Rome. Happy