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Curiosities of ancient Rome (Artifact)

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.

Pan with basket of fruit

Pan with a basket of fruit. The marble sculpture dates back to the 1st century CE. The object was found and is now located in Pompeii.

Pan with basket of fruit

Rape, erotic foursome and souvenir of marital love

According to the canonical version of the founding myth of Rome, Rhea Silvia was the daughter of Numitor, king of the city of Alba Longa (“proto-Rome”). Numitor was dethroned by his brother Amulius. Amulius sentenced Rhea Silvia to eternal virginity. The god Mars found Rhea Silvia sleeping in a grove dedicated to him. According to legend, he raped her. The result of this event were the twins: Romulus and Remus.

Mars and Rhea Silvia front of the sargophag from Palazzo Mattei in Rome

Apollo and Daphne

Roman fresco showing the god of art, Apollo, playing the lyre and in love with Daphne. The object dates back to the 1st century CE. Discovered in Pompeii; the artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.

Apollo and Daphne

Roman fresco showing centaur paying homage

Roman fresco showing a centaur paying homage to the Thessalian prince Peiritous and Hippodameia during their wedding. The object dates back to the 1st century CE; discovered in Pompeii. The artifact is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.

Roman fresco showing centaur paying homage

Centaur with hunted wild boar

Centaur with a hunted wild boar. The marble sculpture dates back to the 1st century CE. The object was discovered in Oplontis. The artifact is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.

Centaur with hunted wild boar

Roman vessel with erotic scene

Roman vessel with an erotic scene. The object was made of bronze and discovered in Pompeii. Dated to the 1st century CE. The artifact is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.

Roman vessel with erotic scene

Pan flute

Roman musical instrument, the so-called Pan’s flute (according to Greek mythology, the god Pan and satyrs were supposed to play it). The object is made of bronze and dates back to the 1st century CE. Discovered in Pompeii. The artifact is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.

Pan flute

Roman fresco showing hermaphrodite

Roman fresco showing a hermaphrodite revealing her male-female sexual organs. At this sight, Pan (the god of forests and fields) nearby runs away. The object dates back to the 1st century CE; discovered in Pompeii. The artifact is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.

Roman fresco showing hermaphrodite

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