Curiosities of ancient Rome (Artifact)

Roman figurine showing a figure holding a cake tray. Discovered in Pompeii and dated to the first century CE.

In the annex of the Vatican walls there is a giant pine cone (called Fontana della Pigna or simply Pigna), which once served as a fountain in Roman times.

Roman crossbow-shaped fibula made of gilded bronze. The object dates to the 4th century CE; dug at the remains of the imperial palace in Gamzigrad, in eastern Serbia.

Roman mosaic showing the word “HAVE”, which was a kind of antique rug in front of the door with a greeting. The object is located in Pompeii, in front of the House of Faun.

Roman figurine showing eagle, made of bronze. The object is dated to II-III century CE. The item was found near Veliko Gradište, in eastern Serbia. It is suspected that it once could have been part of vexillum – the Roman military standard. Currently, it is located in the museum in Veliko Gradište.

Portrait of emperor Macrinus from the 3rd century CE. The sculpture is made of bronze. The object was found in Boleč, near Belgrade (Serbia). Currently located in a museum in Belgrade.

The so-called statue of Augustus of Prima Porta stood in the private villa of Empress Livia in Prima Porta, near Rome. This is probably the posthumous appearance of the emperor, as evidenced by his bare feet – nudity symbolized the death of the depicted person, but the emperor fighting for the renewal of Roman customs was not decided to present in this form, especially shortly after his death. Instead, the pars pro toto principle was used – literally “part of the whole” – bare feet were supposed to symbolize the nakedness of the whole body.

The tombstone of Viatorinus, a Roman soldier who died at the hands of Frank in a foreign land – near the ancient settlement of Divitia (near Gereonskloster; around Cologne in Germany).

Late Roman fresco showing a slave carrying master’s trousers. Object dated to around 375 CE. Fresco found in a tomb near the Roman city of Durostorum (now Silistra, Bulgaria).

Beautiful Roman chalice showing a gladiator. Found in Afghanistan. Dated to the 1st century CE.