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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.

Agony in marble…

Today we will talk about one of the most recognizable works of ancient European art – the so-called Laocoon Group. The sculpture, which is certainly one of the most valuable exhibits in the Vatican Museums, attracts the attention of everyone who stands in front of it. Baroque expressiveness makes it difficult to take your eyes off it. However, what makes it interesting is not only the heart-warming story set in stone, but also the number of secrets it hides.

Laocoön Group

Reliefs from Hadrianeum

Reliefs from the Hadrianeum, which show the trophies and personifications of the Roman provinces. Hadrianeum (temple of Emperor Hadrian) was located on the Campus Martius and was founded on the order of the next emperor – Antoninus Pius (138-161 CE).

Reliefs from Hadrianeum

Young Satyr with fruit

Roman sculpture showing Satyr with fruit. The object is dated to the late 1st century BCE. Discovered in the so-called House of the Tragic Poet in Pompeii. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.

Young Satyr with fruit

Roman phalera

Phalera (pl. phalerae), a kind of medal or decoration that Roman soldiers wore tied with leather straps above the chest.

Roman phalera

Doryphoros on Roman sculpture

Doryphoros on a Roman sculpture. It is a copy of a Greek original by a Greek sculptor from the 5th century BCE – Polykleitos. Doryphoros means “spear-bearer” in Greek and depicts a young man holding a lost javelin. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.

Doryphoros on Roman sculpture

Roman table base

Roman table base, which shows mythological scenes – a sea monster, Scylla, who kidnaps the sailors of Odysseus (Ulysses) and a centaur. The object is dated to the mid-2nd century CE and is in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.

Roman table base

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