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Curiosities of ancient Rome (Artifact)

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.

Roman mosaic showing boxing match

Roman mosaic showing a boxing match. The object was discovered on the site of the Roman Augusta Treverorum (present-day Trier, in western Germany). Dated to the mid-4th century CE. The artifact is located in the Rheinisches Landesmuseum in Trier.

Roman mosaic showing boxing match

Roman colander

Roman colander, made of bronze, discovered in Herculaneum. The object is on display in the museum in Herculaneum. The colander was used, among other things, to strain and cool wine and other liquids with snow1.

Roman colander

Mithra killing bull on relief

Roman relief from the 3rd century CE showing Mithras killing a bull. When the photo was taken, the object was on display at the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.

Mithra killing bull on relief

Roman relief from Pompeii showing construction tools

Roman relief from Pompeii showing construction tools used by the “master builder” (structor): trowel, plumb line, hammer, scalpel. There is also a phallus visible on the stone – a symbol of prosperity and happiness. The facility is located in the Antiquarium Parco Archeologico Pompei.

Roman relief from Pompeii showing construction tools

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