Curiosities of ancient Rome (Artifact)

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Roman fresco showing island of Laestrygonian giants

Roman fresco showing the island of the Laestrygonian giants-cannibals when Odysseus arrives. Interestingly, the Greeks identified this mythical place with either Sicily or Formia in Latium. The object was discovered in a domus on what is now the Roman road ... Read more

Greco-Roman “voodoo doll”

Greco-Roman “voodoo doll” pierced with 13 needles. Found in Egypt, it dates back to the 2nd century CE. It was in a vase along with a lead tablet with a spell on it.

Roman small glass vessels in shape of birds

Roman small glass vessels in the shape of birds – known as unguentarium. They were used to store perfumes and oils. In order to pour out the contents, the “tail” was broken off. Object dated to the 1st century CE; ... Read more

Half of Julius Caesar’s head

Only half of the head of the bust of Julius Caesar has survived to our times. Bust from around 50 CE, which was discovered on the site of the temple of Athena Polias in Priene.

Roman mosaic in villa La Olmeda

Roman mosaic in the villa of La Olmeda in the province of Palencia, Spain. In Greek and Roman culture, a single swastika was extremely rare. She is more often seen in groups. This sign was used throughout the Empire, whether ... Read more

Base of Roman bowl

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.

Signet ring with likeness

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 ... Read more

Great bathtub of Emperor Nero

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.

Roman piggy bank

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

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 ... Read more
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