Curiosities of ancient Rome (Artifact)

Roman painting showing Heron – the Egyptian god – who was identified with Horus and attributed to him the role of restorer and guardian of justice. In the painting, Heron was shown dressed as a Roman soldier: wearing a breastplate, protective greaves and a cape. The god offers incense and makes a liquid offering next to the column supporting the gryphon of Nemesis, the goddess of divine vengeance.

Preserved in poor condition, one of the few Roman paintings in a frame. The antique painting shows a portrait of a woman made on wood and placed in a wooden frame. Much of the paint peeled off and fell off, leaving part of the face and arms visible.

Roman glass cups from Weklice (Warmińsko-Mazurskie Province). Discovered during archaeological research in 2010 in the graveyard of the Wielbark culture. Together with wine-drinking vessels made of bronze, they constituted a set given as a grave gift. The cups were imported from the area of ​​the Roman Empire. They are perfectly preserved, which is unique in itself.

Roman bas-relief was probably made around the 1st century CE. It depicts Hermes (Mercury in the Roman Pantheon of gods), as indicated by the MP’s cane, not visible in the photo above. It was made in the so-called archaic style – consciously imitating the works of the Greek archaic era (ca. 800-480 BCE).

Roman fresco depicting the feast. Object found at Casa dei Casti Amanti (IX 12, 6-8) in Pompeii.

Preserved Roman plaque with an inscription commemorating the deceased, on which the words known to us are placed: “may the earth rest lightly on you”. Written on a stone in Latin: “Sit tibi terra levis”. The object is located in the National Museum of Roman Art in Merida (Spain).

Marble bust of a man, possibly over the age of 40. Object dated to the 1st century CE; currently on display at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

In today’s Hungary, in Aquincum (today’s Budapest), a tombstone inscription of an officer named Aelius Silvanus, who was a centurion of the legion II Adiutrix, was discovered. This legion was founded by Vespasian in 70 CE.

Beautifully preserved Roman marble relief that dates back to the 1st century CE. This type of decoration was often found in private gardens of Roman houses. The stone shows Menada, the worshiper of Dionysus (Bacchus) and Silenus, the god of nature, who also accompanied the god of wine and fun. The object was discovered in Pompeii and is now on display at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

Roman gold ring with engraved parrot in green chalcedony. Scientists believe that the parrot belongs to the species rose-ringed parakeet – a bird that occurs, among others in India and which Alexander the Great had a chance to see. The object is dated to the 1st century CE.