www.gandul.ro/diverse/p-cum-arata-roma-pe-vremea-l

Around 2,000 years ago, Rome was a bustling metropolis with a population nearing one million, showcasing impressive architecture and social contrasts. Under Emperor Marcus Aurelius, the city faced significant challenges, including social inequality, fires, and diseases. The Colosseum and Circus Maximus were central to public entertainment, while the Palatine Hill housed imperial residences. Despite advanced infrastructure like aqueducts and public baths, many residents lived in crowded conditions with limited sanitation. The city was vibrant yet plagued by issues such as traffic congestion and epidemics, notably the Antonine Plague. Marcus Aurelius's philosophical reflections did not focus on the city's grandeur but rather on human responsibility and the transient nature of life.