Curiosities of ancient Rome (Artifact)

Roman mosaic showing an offering by a couple in a villa on the coast. Object dated to the 4th century CE; found in Ostia. Currently, the artifact can be admired in the Toledo Art Museum (USA).

A missile from a Roman ballista, found at Leckie Broch (central Scotland). A crack in the stone is clearly visible, which scientists interpret as the result of a sudden change in temperature. Perhaps the stone was heated for the purpose of the attack, and the defending Picts tried to cool it with cold water.

Traces of the Roman stone wall with which the Romans surrounded Masada in 72/73 CE. The wall was about 3 meters high and about 3.5 km long; towers were placed at regular intervals. The ramparts were intended to completely cut off the defenders.

A bust of the Roman emperor Tacitus, who ruled in 275-276 CE. A Roman was elected heir to the throne – after the death of well-liked Aurelian – at the age of 75.

A contemporary woman with a vestal hairstyle and headdress. Vestal was the priestess of the Roman goddess of the hearth, Vesta. Girls aged 6-10 were selected for service, only those from patrician families whose parents were alive. They promised under oath celibacy and virginity.

The photo shows the base for the sacrificial bowl (foculus), which had an unfolding mechanism. The object was built in the 2nd century CE in the Roman Empire, and was discovered in one of the Germanic graves in Zakrzów, in south-west Poland. The artifact is located in the National Museum in Warsaw.

Roman latrine with a beautiful mosaic floor in Bulla Regia. Bulla Regia is a former Roman city in Northeast Tunisia; not far from the current Jendouba.

Roman bust of a man from the 1st century CE. The object is made of bronze; currently in the Cleveland Art Museum (USA).

Roman sculpture showing Victoria with the cornucopia. The object is made of bronze and was probably attached to a chariot. Dated to the 1st century CE. Currently, the artifact is in the Cleveland Museum of Art (USA).

Bust of the Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius (ruled 138-161 CE), dressed in the traditional garb of the Arval Brethren.