Curiosities of ancient Rome (Artifact)

Base of a Roman bowl with two figures painted on it. Object dated to the 3rd-4th century CE; the artifact is on display at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

Emperor Augustus wore a signet ring with his own likeness on his finger. His successors continued the tradition, wearing it on their fingers as a memento of the great ruler. The exception was Galba, who wore a signet ring on his finger showing a dog peeking out from the bow of a ship. This emperor changed the custom because he had an extremely devoted dog.

Great bathtub of Emperor Nero, made of porphyry. The object was originally located in Nero’s palace (Domus Aurea); it is now in the Vatican museums in Rome.

Romans also knew how to save. Proof of this is a Roman piggy bank found in Viminacium, a Roman city and fort in Moesia (present-day Serbia).

Roman portrait of Alexander Severus, also known as Alexianus Bassianus, who was the last emperor of the Severan line. On the throne of Rome, he succeeded his cousin Elagabalus, who died as a result of a conspiracy. The reign of Alexander Severus marks a new period in the history of Rome – a crisis of the third century – almost 50 years of civil wars, invasions and economic collapse. He was murdered by his own rebel soldiers in 235 CE.

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.