Curiosities of ancient Rome (Ancient stories)

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Ancient stories are curiosities revealing lesser-known, surprising, or unusual episodes from the world of ancient Rome and antiquity. This category includes short stories about events, people, and situations that don’t always make it into classical works, yet allow for a better understanding of the realities and mentality of the era.

Two ministers of Emperor Claudius

Two ministers of Emperor Claudius (ruled 41-54 CE), his freedmen Pallas and Narcissus, made huge fortunes from their offices. Claudius was known for his trust in his freedmen, who often decided the country’s politics and…Więcej

Terrible death of Crassus

Marcus Licinius Crassus (114-53 BCE) was killed shortly after the battle of Carrhae (53 BCE) by the Parthians who, according to Roman tradition, poured liquid gold into his throat. Mocking the rich man, he was…Więcej

Extremely raw Galba

Galba (3 BCE – 69 CE) became famous as one of the “four emperors of 69 CE” who assumed power in Rome after his death Nero. For the first half of Nero’s reign, he retired…Więcej

Decency according to Valerius Maximus

In the work Factorum et dictorum memorabilium libri novem by Valerius Maximus, we can see the characters and behaviours that the author distinguished in the context of decency and dignified life. An example is Pompey…Więcej

Caesar and Brutus family

Gaius Julius Caesar was a famous lover and seducer of Roman women of high society. One of the Roman women he seduced was the mother of Marcus Brutus – Servilla. In the course of his…Więcej

Mago’s mission to Carthage with request for support for Hannibal

Despite the great victory of at Cannae in 216 BCE, Hannibal still needed both material and military support to defeat the Romans. To this end, Hannibal, before the battle, sent his younger brother Magon to…Więcej

Augustus and eques

As per the ancient sources, Emperor Octavian Augustus one day noticed a member of equites who was eating during the games. He was to say: “If I want to dine, I go home”. The latter was…Więcej

Brave Pompey the Great

Pompey the Great was famous for his courage and bravery. In 58 BCE he assumed the position of praefectus annonae, who oversaw grain deliveries to Rome. It was a unique position that the edile normally…Więcej

Double of Augustus

One day a man very similar to Octavian Augustus was to come to Rome. He ordered him to be brought and asked: “Was your mother ever in Rome?”. The young man was supposed to answer…Więcej

Titus and petitioners

Emperor Titus (39-81 CE) ensured that none of his petitioners was left without an answer. Once, when he was accused of promising more than he could fulfil, he replied: “It is not right for anyone…Więcej

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