Curiosities of ancient Rome

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The world of the ancient Romans was rich in extraordinary, and sometimes even surprising, facts. We draw our knowledge of Roman daily life, customs, and mentality primarily from works left by ancient writers and historians. It is thanks to them that we discover information that is astonishing today – sometimes even hard to believe. Below are some interesting facts that reveal a lesser-known and less obvious side of the Roman world.

I encourage you to submit your own suggestions and to report any corrections or inaccuracies.

Military law (ius in bello) of republican period

In Republican Rome, there were no legal acts regulating conduct during warfare. However, in ancient times, warring states applied generally accepted customary law in this matter. There were no standards (as there are today) regulating,…Więcej

Ceremonial chariot was discovered during excavations of Roman villa just outside walls of ancient Pompeii.

Ceremonial chariot was discovered during excavations of a Roman villa just outside the walls of ancient Pompeii. The four-wheeled vehicle, made of wood and iron, with bronze and tin decorations, was preserved almost perfectly when…Więcej

Roman lead seals as trace of everyday administration

Rome is associated with legions, aqueducts, and great emperors, but the empire’s efficiency is equally revealed by small objects: seals, plaques, and stamps. Lead bullae, used to secure shipments and goods, were a small, practical…Więcej

Marble sculpture of woman’s head

During archaeological excavations in ancient Corinth, a marble sculpture depicting a woman’s head was discovered. The monument dates back to the 2nd century CE, a period when the city was one of the most important…Więcej

Scientists recreate face of Vesuvius’ victim

After nearly two thousand years, scientists have used artificial intelligence for the first time to recreate the appearance of one of the Pompeii residents who died during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE.…Więcej

Unusual Roman skeleton from Castel Malnome

Archaeologists exploring the necropolis of Castel Malnome, near Ostia, have discovered the remains of a man that shed new light on the attitudes of the inhabitants of the Roman Empire towards people with severe disabilities.…Więcej

Hercules depicted on herm

Hercules depicted on a herm discovered during archaeological excavations at the ancient theater in Corinth. The sculpture depicts one of the most famous heroes of Greek mythology, whose cult was also widespread in the Roman…Więcej

Roman theater in Salona

In ancient Salona, located near modern-day Split in Croatia, the remains of a Roman theater have been preserved. It was one of the most important public buildings in the former capital of the province of…Więcej

Temple of Jupiter in Diocletian’s Palace in Split

Within the monumental Diocletian’s Palace in Split, Croatia, lies one of the best-preserved Roman temples in Croatia – the Temple of Jupiter. The structure was built at the turn of the 3rd and 4th centuries…Więcej

Streets of Pompeii show everyday life of ancient city

The preserved streets of Pompeii are among the most characteristic features of the ancient city destroyed during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. Thanks to a layer of volcanic ash, the system of…Więcej

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