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Unknown facts from Ancient Rome reveals less obvious, surprising, and rarely discussed aspects of the ancient world. In this category, you’ll find historical curiosities, little-known events, unusual customs, and facts that often escape school texts. Articles based on historical sources and scholarly research present the Roman Empire from a different perspective. This is an ideal place for readers who want to expand their knowledge of antiquity beyond the familiar norms.
The Antonine Plague (pestis Antonini), also called the Plague of Galen, was a pandemic brought to the Roman Empire by returning Roman soldiers from the Middle East campaign. The scourge, which according to today’s research was most likely smallpox or measles, overrun the Empire in 165-180 CE.
The emperor rose slightly from the throne, and a long furrowed wrinkle appeared on his forehead. The courtiers looked anxiously at the Son of Heaven, who for a moment looked more astonished than outraged. After a while, however, anger took control of the monarch.
Wherever we look, film productions show us the world of ancient Romans devoid of colours, and full of white and beige statues and buildings. That was even the case in “Ben Hur” (1959) by William Wyler or “Gladiator” (2000) by Ridley Scott. Indeed, this way of showing Roman civilization proved its power and role in the then Mediterranean world. However, the reality is quite different – ancient statues were colourful.
Profanity is not just the domain of modern language. In the ancient and Roman times, vocabulary considered indecent was widely used. In ancient times and Roman times, descendants of “she-wolf” were commonly used in conversations, and less often in texts considered indecent.
In addition to many land expeditions, the Romans also undertook several sea expeditions in southern directions. Greek scholars did not realize that the African continent stretches south of Libya, they believed that Libya was flowing around the ocean – according to Plutarch, Alexander the Great considered circumnavigating Libya as a shorter alternative to a trip by land from the Indus estuary to Macedonia.
Almost everyone has heard of Pompeii and Herculaneum – ancient cities that have been buried under the layer of ashes of Vesuvius – a volcano that erupted in 79 CE.
