Curiosities of ancient Rome (Ancient stories)

Valerius Maximus in his work Factorum et dictorum memorabilium libri novem presents interesting events in the history of Rome, in which omens and the superstition of the Romans were to play an important role.

Valerius Maximus, a Roman writer from the 1st century CE, tells us the stories of courageous and honourable Romans throughout history, on which successive generations should follow. Great examples are Publius Crassus and Scipio Metellus.

Pliny the Elder in his work “Natural History” describes horses and their ability to cooperate with humans. It highlights their learning ability and obedience to people.

Valerius Maximus, a Roman author from the 1st century CE, in his work about famous deeds and sayings mentions, among others, the story of the heroic conquest of the Carthaginian camp near Beneventum in 212 BCE.

It is a known fact that in the world of ancient Romans, the poorer bourgeoisie could not count on the rights that wealthy Romans had only from being born into an eminent family. Unfortunately, plebeians tried unsuccessfully to fight for their rights, but in general official legal institutions were not interested in the problems of ordinary people.

In 15 CE, a Roman punitive expedition, led by Aulus Cecina, returning to bases on the Rhine, was surrounded by the Germans. The legionnaires, despite being highly disciplined, were also very superstitious and quickly associated the facts.

It is difficult to imagine that more children than two / three could be born and survived in the world at one time in antiquity. Mostly multiple babies are premature babies, and the more babies there are, the more difficult it is to maintain the pregnancy and keep them and their mother alive after birth.

Pliny the Elder in his work “Natural History” tells us an interesting story about a raven that was held in high esteem by the Romans. The bird lived during the reign of Emperor Tiberius; as a chick, it fell out of the nest, which was located on the temple of Castor and Pollux, and fell on the local shoemaker’s workshop.

Pliny the Elder tells us in his work “Natural History” an interesting story that was to herald Octavian’s victory in the war against Sextus Pompey, son of the great leader Pompey the Great.

Pliny the Elder in his work “Natural History” tells many amazing stories about the friendship of animals and people. In book IX we can read, among others about the fact that the dolphin is a friendly animal, as evidenced by the cited story of a boy from a poor family in Baiae.