Rome

Rome wasn't built in a day, and we certainly haven't shut up about since. It's easy to take for granted how foundational a civilization is until you think about comparing, say, two NFL teams squaring off to a “gladiator match." Speaking of those, turns out gladiator life was different from Russell Crowe's portrayal. Instead of sword and sandals epics, they were more like Jersey Shore drunks—gladiators were the reality TV stars of Ancient Rome. If combat sports aren't your thing, don't worry: you won't believe how ancient Romans used bread.