Curiosities of ancient Rome (Artifact)

Roman gladius pommel made of ivory. Object dated to the 2nd century CE.

Roman denarius showing the god of the seas Neptune on the obverse and Cupid riding a dolphin on the reverse.

Roman mosaic flooring showing the she-wolf feeding Romulus and Remus. The object comes from the Domus della Fortuna Annonaria in Ostia.

Roman gold relief necklace. The object is made of emerald glass and chalcedony. Object dated to the 2nd-4th century CE.

An umbo that was attached to the shield of a Roman legionary who belonged to the legion VIII Augusta. The object dates back to the early 2nd century CE; it was found in the River Tyne in northern England. On the edge of the umbo you can read the name Junius Dubitatus.

Roman bust of Gaius Julius, grandson and adopted son of Augustus and heir to the throne. The object is dated from 1-4 CE.

Magnificent Roman carnelian with the artist’s image while painting a woman’s bust. The object is dated to the 1st-3rd century CE and is only 1.2 cm long.

Roman castellum Celemantia in Slovakia, at the Danube. Castellum is hard to define unequivocally. In sources it was described as a fortification, fort or fortress, which in practice also served as a watchtower.

Castellum is a word derived from a diminutive of castrum, or Roman camp – the so-called “little fort”. This is mentioned, among others, by Vegetius: “And if no ancient fortifications are to be met with, small forts must be built in proper situations, surrounded with large ditches, for the reception of detachments of horse and foot, so that the convoys will be effectually protected. For an enemy will hardly venture far into a country where he knows his adversary’s troops are so disposed as to be ready to encompass him on all sides”¹.

Puteoli or today’s Pozzuoli. Known mainly for the nearby layers of volcanic sand called “pozzolana”. Once a magnificent Roman port on the Gulf of Naples. Many different buildings have been preserved there from Roman times. One of such places is Macellum the market.