Curiosities of ancient Rome (Ancient stories)
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.
Duel to end the war?
In the years 421-422, the Eastern Roman Empire waged another war with the Sassanid State. The troops, led by magister militum per orientem Ardabur, entered Persian Mesopotamia but were quickly driven back by superior Persian forces.
Fimbrian legions
In 67 BCE Lucius Licinius Lucullus was recalled to Rome, and Pompey the Great became the commander of the Roman armies fighting in the east. Lucullus was disliked by the soldiers for being stingy and for limiting their ability to plunder. Most of all, however, he was hated by the Fimbrian legionnaires – veterans with more than 20 years of service behind them.
Caligula in arena
Emperor Caligula (reigned 37-41 CE) went down in history as one of the worst rulers of the Roman Empire. Many stories about him arose in the works of writers who came from senatorial circles. Among other things, Suetonius describes that Caligula himself allegedly participated in gladiator fights.
Octavian hated flattery
Emperor Octavian Augustus hated flattery – when one day during the show, the artist addressed him with the words “O just and gracious Lord!” Augustus rebuked him for this in a public proclamation. He even forbade his children and grandchildren to refer to him as “Lord”.
Caligula’s dishonest bid
Caligula (reigned 37-41 CE) went down in history as one of the most unbalanced Roman emperors. During his rule, the emperor tried to obtain as much wealth as possible, including through auction.
Beautiful ship for Verres
In Roman times, it was very expensive and a lot of effort to put up a naval fleet. If the governor of the province received an order from the senate or decided that it was necessary to build, equip ships and train new crews, the entire financial burden naturally went to the cities of the province and their population.
Bravery of Cato the Younger during Spartacus uprising
An uprising of Spartacus in 73-71 BCE was a very serious threat that the Roman state had to deal with. It was then that Cato the Younger and probably Julius Caesar took their first steps into the Roman army.