Curiosities of ancient Rome (Artifact)

Roman ring from the 4th-5th century CE. The object is made of gold, garnet and emerald. Dimensions: 3 x 17 x 18 mm.

Roman fresco depicting the punishment of the Theban queen Dirce. The painting is from Pompeii and dates back to around 30 CE. Currently, the artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples (Italy).

Roman mosaic showing the scene of Theseus’ killing the Minotaur. The object was found in the province of Retia (eastern Switzerland). Object dated to the 1st-2nd century CE; is currently at the University Library Freiburg in Germany.

A detail of a Roman mosaic floor showing a peacock with an outstretched colored tail. The object is situated in Vaison-la-Romaine (France).

Roman brooch in the shape of a frog. Frogs are believed to have apotropaic value, that is, they protected against evil forces. The object is dated to the 2nd-4th century CE.

Roman enamel brooch made of bronze. Subject was found in Carlungie in eastern Scotland. The artifact was imported from Gaul and dates back to the 1st-2nd century CE.

Mercury – Roman statue from the 2nd century CE, made of bronze. The object is located in the museum at Colchester Castle (built on the foundations of the Claudius Temple). In Roman times the city was called Camulodunum or Colonia Claudia Victricensis.

Helmet of a legionary destroyed by fire, most likely during the capture and total destruction of the city during the revolt of Boudica (60-61 CE).

In the Capitoline Museums we can admire the colossal marble sculpture depicting the Mars Avenger (Mars Ultor). However, this is not an ordinary image of Mars – according to some researchers, the god in this case has the features of Pyrrhus, the great leader and king of Epirus.