Curiosities of ancient Rome (Artifact)

Carved silhouette of a Roman soldier on the tombstone. The object has survived to our times, as the stone was used for construction in London. The presented person is unknown to us by name.

Roman relief from Ostia showing a cutlery shop. Interestingly, the ancient Romans mainly used spoons (furca) and hands in eating; forks and knives were used to cut, prepare and serve dishes. Object dated to the 1st century CE.

Roman fresco depicting a street vendor offering a drink. The object was found in the House of the Dioscuri in Pompeii. Currently, the artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.

Roman mosaic showing the triumphant charioteer Polydus on his chariot. The object was found in Trier (western Germany) and dates back to the 3rd century CE.

Extremely interesting mosaic floor from Villa Romana del Casale – a luxury villa in Sicily. The work shows women in bikinis practising sports (weightlifting, discus throwing, running and playing ball). On the left, one of the girls – wearing a toga – hands a crown and a spot of victory.

Beautiful Roman marble floor done in opus sectile style. The object adorned the imperial palace on the Palatine. The artifact was found in the middle of the 20th century.

Roman vessel made of silver with a bust of a man protruding in the center. The object is currently located in the Louvre, and dates back to the 1st century CE.

Roman vase from Colchester (England) showing the fight of gladiators in the arena. The object was found in a grave in 1848. Above the figures of four gladiators and their names: Secundus, Mario, Memnon and Valentinus.

Roman mosaic showing venatores – warriors who hunted wild animals in the arena. The object is dated from the 3rd-4th century CE; found in the remains of the imperial palace in Gamzigrad – Felix Romuliana complex – near Zaječar, in eastern Serbia.

Fragment of a Roman sculpture depicting Jupiter Tonans (the Thunderer). The object was found in the Temple of Jupiter in Pompeii. Height: 70 cm. It is now housed in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.