Curiosities of ancient Rome (Artifact)

Roman rock crystal showing a man’s head. The object comes from Caesarea, Israel. The head represents either the emperor Vitellius or Trajan.

Roman marble bust of Plotina, empress and wife of emperor Trajan. Dated back to 110-120 CE. Located at the National Museum in Rome.

Today I will tell you about a monument hidden from the eyes of tourists, which is a sculptural illustration of the myth about the foundation of Rome. We are talking about the front of the sarcophagus, which is today built into the wall of the staircase of the Palazzo Mattei in Rome. The sculptor managed to place all the important elements of the story about the founding of the city in a small space resulting from the dimensions of the sarcophagus.

Roman denarius of Britain’s usurper Carausius in 286-293 CE. The coin was found in Wiltshire, southern England.

Statue of the Roman goddess Mater Matuta from the Etruscan city of Chiusi. The object is dated to the 4th century BCE. In the Roman religion, Mater Matuta was the goddess of ripening grain, morning and fertility. 

Floor mosaic with geometric patterns at Theseus’ villa in Paphos, Cyprus. The villa was built in the second half of the 2nd century CE and was inhabited until the 7th century.

Roman wall fresco depicting Mars and Venus. Object dated to the 1st century CE. Located at the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.

Roman gemstone with a portrait of a woman from the beginning of the 1st century CE. The elegant hairstyle with tight hair and a small bun was fashionable during the reign of Octavian Augustus (27 BCE – 14 CE).

Roman marble bust of military man. Object dated to the 2nd century CE. Found in Tomis, Romania.

Roman relief showing the water organs (hydraulis) and on the sides of the gladiators during the fight. The water organ was distinguished by a loud sound and was used in amphitheaters and ancient theaters to make the show more attractive. The object was found in Trier (West Germany).