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Curiosities of ancient Rome (Discoveries)

The world of ancient Romans abounded in a number of amazing curiosities and information. The source of knowledge about the life of the Romans are mainly works left to us by ancient writers or discoveries. The Romans left behind a lot of strange information and facts that are sometimes hard to believe.

Cleopatra’s treasure?

In the Archaeological Museum in Naples, in a small side room in which a collection of ancient gems is exhibited, there is probably one of the most unusual exhibits – the so-called Tazza Farnese – a stone plate with a diameter of about 20 cm. Whenever I look into Naples and stand before this masterpiece, I can’t get over the artistry of former craftsmen. But beyond beauty, there is something else about it: an amazing story that would be a good script for a fascinating movie.

Cleopatra's treasure?

Uncovered imperial banners

In 2007, a unique discovery was made on the northeastern slope of the Palatine. Clementina Panella at the head of the research team found a mysterious chest inside which were located imperial banners (signa imperii) and the scepter of the Roman emperor.

Discovered Roman imperial banners in 2007

Romans and god Asclepius

Romans going to the temple of Asclepius (god of medicine and healing) sacrificed objects in the shape of a part of the body that was sick and needed healing. Those were votive offerings of healed parts of the body (eg. hands, legs).

Aesculapius with intertwined serpents

Third Venus found in Granada

In the Spanish city of Granada, a unique find was found – the statue of the goddess Venus. The discovery took place in August 2018. In 2012-2013, two other deities’ sculptures were excavated from the earth in the same area.

The third Venus was discovered in Granada

Amazing Roman discovery from the 15th century

In April 1485, there was an amazing discovery along Via Appia, near Rome. Namely, the corpse of a Roman girl was extracted in a great condition – dating back nearly 15 centuries. Italian intellectual Bartolomeo Fonzio from the Renaissance describes the find in a letter to his friend in Florence.

A drawing by Bartolomeo Fonzio (from the 15th century) showing the  uncovered body of a Roman girl dating back 1500 years

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