Zo schreven de Romeinen zeven, or “Thus the Romans wrote seven,” is a phrase often used to emphasize the meticulous record-keeping and administrative prowess of the ancient Roman civilization. The Romans were known for their systematic approach to governance, and their ability to organize and document information was unparalleled in the ancient world.
The phrase “Zo schreven de Romeinen zeven” is derived from the Latin phrase “Roma scribebat VII,” which translates to “Rome wrote seven.” This refers to the seven hills on which the city of Rome was built, and is symbolic of the city’s foundation and the roots of Roman civilization.
The Romans were renowned for their written language, Latin, which was used for official documents, legal proceedings, and historical records. The Romans developed an extensive system of writing, which included the use of inscriptions, scrolls, and codices to document their laws, history, and achievements.
One of the most famous examples of Roman record-keeping is the Tabulae Iguvinae, a set of bronze tablets found in the town of Gubbio, Italy. These tablets contain the text of a series of rituals and ceremonies performed by the ancient Umbrian people, and provide valuable insight into the religious practices of the time.
The Romans also excelled in the field of engineering and construction, and their ability to plan and execute large-scale projects is evident in the remains of structures such as aqueducts, roads, and amphitheaters. These feats of engineering required careful planning and documentation, and the Romans left behind detailed records of their construction methods and techniques.
In addition to their written records, the Romans also used symbols and images to communicate information. For example, the Roman system of numerals, which used letters to represent numbers, was widely used in official documents and inscriptions.
Overall, the phrase “Zo schreven de Romeinen zeven” serves as a reminder of the impressive organizational skills and attention to detail of the ancient Romans. Their written records and documentation have provided valuable insights into their society, culture, and achievements, and continue to fascinate historians and archaeologists to this day.