Due in large part to popular Hollywood films like Gladiator and Ben-Hur, there are plenty of misconceptions about ancient Rome and the way Romans lived. The ancient Romans wore togas, but not very often. They had several leaders who were certainly ineffectual, brutal, and careless, but they weren't necessarily insane - nor did they sing a sad song while the city of Rome burned down. There were gladiatorial fights, but they weren't nearly as bloody as we've been led to believe.