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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 hand abacus

Roman hand abacus, which was used by, among others, engineers or merchants. You could always have this type of ancient calculator with you and thus speed up operations. Interestingly, the modern word “calculator” comes from the Latin calx, meaning “small stones”.

Roman hand abacus

Roman sculpture depicting Plautilla

Roman sculpture showing Plautilla – the wife of Emperor Caracalla. The object dates back to 202 CE. The artifact is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.

Roman sculpture depicting Plautilla

Roman fresco showing symbols of Dionysus

Roman fresco showing the symbols of Dionysus (Bacchus): a panther, a tambourine, a rhython and a cup of wine. The object was discovered in Pompeii and dates back to the 1st century CE. The artifact is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.

Roman fresco showing symbols of Dionysus

Roman rock crystal ring

Roman rock crystal ring. The object is decorated with a crescent and stars – symbols of eternity and the afterlife. The artifact was found in a woman’s grave in Nijmegen (Netherlands) and dates back to the 1st century CE. The artifact is located in the Het Valkhof Museum in Nijmegen.

Roman rock crystal ring

Roman funerary altar

Roman funerary altar with an inscription. The object dates back to the 2nd century CE. The artifact is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.

Roman funerary altar

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