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The world of ancient Romans abounded in a number of amazing curiosities and information. The source of knowledge about the life of the Romans are mainly works left to us by ancient writers or discoveries. The Romans left behind a lot of strange information and facts that are sometimes hard to believe.
Ius trium liberorum (“law of three children”) was a privilege introduced by Emperor Augustus (ruled 27 BCE – 14 CE) as part of his social and demographic reforms. Its aim was to increase the number of births in the Roman state, which was struggling with population decline after years of civil wars. It was established in 18 BCE as part of the reforms contained in the Lex Iulia de Maritandis Ordinibus and Lex Papia Poppaea laws.
Rare and unusual Roman bronze ring from the 1st Century BCE with a beautifully crafted intaglio which displays Gaius Julius Caesar.
Roman thermae in Bath, England, known as Thermae Aquae Sulis, was an important center of social life in ancient times. It was created around 60 CE, around natural thermal springs that the Romans considered sacred, dedicating them to the goddess Sulis Minerva. Interestingly, the water flowing from these springs has a constant temperature of around 46°C and comes from rain that penetrated the geological layers even 10,000 years ago. Today the baths are one of the best-preserved Roman buildings in Britain and attract tourists from all over the world.
Roman religious mask, which was probably worn by a priest during religious processions. The object was discovered in a drain in the Roman baths in Bath (England).
An ancient Roman stone with an inscription was discovered in Bath (England). As it turns out, the object refers to the practice of haruspices, who used to tell fortunes from the entrails of animals.
Under the so-called “London Wall”, which dates back to Roman times, there is a sculpture of Emperor Trajan (reigned 98-117 CE). The sculpture was made of bronze in the 20th century. It is a copy of a Roman original from the 1st century CE in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.
Aphrodite (Venus) on a Roman sculpture that is a replica (2nd century CE) of an original from Greek times. The object is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples (Italy).
Sculpture showing a standing lion; made of limestone. The Roman object dates back to the imperial period; discovered in northern Italy. The artifact is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.
Aius Locutius is a mysterious deity of unknown origin and appearance. In Roman mythology, it appears only once and in the form of a voice.
“Lives” are one of the most fascinating works of antiquity. Its author, Plutarch of Chaeronea (ca. 46 – ca. 120 CE), compiles the profiles of famous Greeks and Romans. When describing these characters, he focuses mainly on their actions, character and anecdotes related to them. His work, however, is not devoid of very interesting digressions about the people and events of his contemporaries. One of them is an interesting mention of Emperor Domitian, whose reign was 81-96 CE. Although Plutarch writes his work several years after the emperor’s murder, he probably remembers the times of his reign and expresses his short opinion about this princeps.
