Rome origins pastoral villages Palatine Hill archaeology

Rome probably grew from several villages rather than appearing in a single founding

Roman tradition gave the city a precise founding date and the story of Romulus and Remus. Archaeological evidence instead points to settlements around the hills near the Tiber gradually growing and connecting. Rome's emergence was a process of urban development, not necessarily a single event that happened on one legendary day.

A thin clay layer held unusual iridium

Up To 160× Background

A thin layer of clay in Italy contained up to 160 times the usual amount of iridium. Because iridium is rare on Earth but common in asteroids, researchers proposed that a vaporized impactor spread it around the planet before they identified the crater.

A theremin is played without touch

A theremin’s antennas sense how close the player’s hands are. The player’s hand movements control the instrument’s pitch and volume without physical contact.

Rome origins pastoral villages Palatine Hill archaeology

Rome probably grew from several villages rather than appearing in a single founding

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