If you have found a spelling error, please, notify us by selecting that text and pressing Ctrl+Enter.
Artifacts is a collection of curiosities dedicated to objects left behind by the ancient Romans. This category features lesser-known facts and interesting information about archaeological finds, such as tools, weapons, coins, inscriptions, and everyday objects, which provide a deeper understanding of life in the Roman Empire.
During archaeological excavations in eastern England in 2017, an extremely rare find was discovered: the heel bone of a man with an iron nail still embedded in it. The remains, designated Skeleton 4926, date from the 3rd-4th century CE and represent some of the best-preserved physical evidence of crucifixion ever discovered.
The lobby of the Amphora Hotel in Split, Croatia, houses an interesting exhibition of ancient Roman amphorae, referencing the maritime and commercial history of the Adriatic and the world of the Roman Empire.
Murmillo-type gladiator helmet used in the TV series “Spartacus.” Characteristic of this class of gladiator was a massive helmet with a large crest and full face shield. This example features additional decorations in the form of seahorses and lions, inspired by motifs known from ancient Roman art.
A miniature skull discovered in Pompeii. The object dates to the 1st century CE and was likely a magical object.
Roman mosaic depicts a man lying in bed and his partner standing. The object is dated to 1st BCE – 1st century CE.
Roman fibula (cloth clasp) in the form of a swastika. This item is in the collection of the Archaeological Museum in Gunzenhausen, Germany.
The presented object – a Roman spoon and fork – dating from around the 3rd century CE and made of silver. It measures 16.2 cm in length and is currently in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York (USA). It is an example of a luxurious everyday item, demonstrating the high level of metallurgical craftsmanship during the Roman Empire.
Roman folding knife with a bone handle and a bronze or iron blade. This item is on display at the Museum of Art and History in Geneva, Switzerland.
Pair of Roman earrings made of gold and semi-precious stones from the 3rd/4th century CE. The objects are located in the Archaeological Museum of the University of Münster (Germany).
This ancient Roman bronze stylus, discovered in Tiel (central Netherlands), is a small, elongated writing instrument used during the Roman Empire. Made of bronze, it has a slender shape – one end is pointed, while the other is flattened or slightly flared.
