Lots of cities have nicknames. People might argue over which place is the “City of Lights” or the “City That Never Sleeps,” or the “City of Love.” But it seems like there’s a global consensus that Rome will always be the “Eternal City.” And it would take some real guts to claim otherwise.
Rome is called the Eternal City for good reasons – its classic architecture has really stood the test of time, plus it has huge religious importance.
In this article, we’ll find the origins of Rome’s most common name. We’ll also trace the various names the beautiful city has taken on through the ages.
Why’s It Called Rome?
The name “Rome” likely comes from the Latin word “Roma” or “Rum,” which meant “river” or “stream” – probably referring to the Tiber River running through the city.
Then there’s myth of the abandoned twins Romulus and Remus, raised by a she-wolf, who decided to build a new city. The twin brothers fought and Romulus killed Remus, naming the new city Rome after himself.
There are a few other theories about the roots of the name. The Etruscan word “ruma” meant “teat” – maybe referring to the wolf’s udders that fed the boys, or the shape of Rome’s two hills.
Fun fact: Rome hasn’t always been Italy’s capital. Florence used to be the capital because of its important Renaissance art and culture scene. When the Italian states formed the Kingdom of Italy in 1871, Rome was chosen, likely because it was the historic seat of the Roman Empire. That symbolic power made it the natural pick.
What Makes Rome “The Eternal City”?
Whether you call it the Eternal City, Roma Aeterna, or Imperium Sine Fine, Rome has earned titles referring to its “eternal” nature. This label has stuck from ancient history through to today.
One of the main reasons is Rome’s historic ruins and how they’ve been preserved. It’s amazing how some of the most innovative, pioneering architectural wonders have lasted into the modern era. These old landmarks like the Colosseum seem like they’ll stay timeless, no matter how the world changes around them.
Rome’s literary culture also plays a key role in its worldwide impact, with influential poetry and philosophy extending over the centuries.
And Rome itself has been central to significant historic events – the rise and fall of empires, the dawn of Christianity, the Renaissance.
If those moments from the past still shape the present, it’s proof of their immortal force. Rome’s eternal city nickname has clearly stood the test of time.
Who First Called Rome “The Eternal City”?
It’s impossible to count all the references made to Rome by admiring poets, authors, artists, actors, and filmmakers over the years.
- The Roman poet Virgil first coined the enduring nickname “The Eternal City” in his epic poem The Aeneid (29-19 BC), referring to Rome’s everlasting nature.
- In his 1821 poem “Adonais,” English poet Percy Bysshe Shelley also called Rome eternal, awed by its timeless beauty.
- American novelist Nathaniel Hawthorne waxed poetic in his 1860 book The Marble Faun, musing over Rome’s eternity stemming from its artistic richness and historical depth. He wrote, “How is it possible to say an unkind or irredeemable word of Rome? The city of all time and of the whole world!”
- Gabriele D’Annunzio, an Italian poet, used the moniker “The Eternal City” in works like his 1909 poem “Roma Redenta,” elaborating on Rome’s cultural and historical significance.
These are just a few of the many writers throughout history who’ve hailed Rome as the unfading, immortal Eternal City.
What Are Some Other Nicknames for Rome?
Rome has gone by many other cool nicknames over the centuries beyond just “The Eternal City.” Here are a few of them:
- Caput Mundi – this Latin phrase means “Capital of the World.” It speaks to Rome’s ancient political and military might, plus its global religious influence since Vatican City lies within its borders.
- Urbs Sacra – latin for “Sacred City.” The Roman emperor Septimius Severus used this term, referring to Rome’s old pagan gods before Christianity took over.
- City of God – St. Augustine’s early 5th century book City of God defended Christianity and argued the “perfect” city would be the holy City of God.
- City of Seven Hills – named for the seven Aventine, Caelian, Capitoline, Esquiline, Palatine, Quirinal and Viminal hills Rome is built on.
- City of Echoes, City of Illusions, City of Desire – Italian painter Giotto di Bondone coined these poetic phrases about Rome’s historic buildings and monuments creating optical illusions.
As you can see, Rome’s has amassed some awesome nicknames that highlight its different eternal, sacred, and artful sides over the years!
I can attest to the fact that Rome is indeed a eternal city. When I visited it with my family I felt that every where – the cobblestone streets, the breathtaking Colosseum and the always crowded Trevi Fountain.
I am wondering what your experience was? Did you feel the same way while in Rome?
Want to Learn More About the Eternal City?
Regardless if you want to learn more about the history of Rome – it’s piazza, fountains, hills, and churches or how to dress if you are visiting the capital of Italy in the spring or what the must-see events during the Christmas season are, you have come to the right place.
