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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.
In ancient Rome, the water supply system was managed by officials known as curatores aquarum. These were senators of consular rank, appointed by the emperor, responsible for overseeing the construction, maintenance and operation of the city’s aqueducts and water distribution networks. Their duties also included enforcing water laws, preventing illegal connections and resolving disputes related to access to water.
In the transitional period between antiquity and the Middle Ages, when Christianity was consolidating its position as the state religion, events occurred that left a profound mark on the history of culture and science. One of the most renowned figures of this era was Hypatia – a philosopher, mathematician, and astronomer whose tragic death became a symbol of the changes sweeping through the world at that time.
Before watches and modern clocks, the ancient Romans used clepsydras, or water clocks, to measure the passage of time. This device worked by passing water from one container to another, usually through a small hole. As the water level fell (or rose), marked scales showed how much time had passed.
Roman fresco depicting the face of a woman from Herculanum. The object is located in The British Museum.
Charred remains of pomegranates from Oplontis, which was near Pompeii and was destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 CE. The remains are in the British Museum.
Partially preserved and charred wooden device for drawing water. The object was discovered in the so-called House of the Two Atriums, in Herculaneum. Artifact in the British Museum.
Fresco from a Roman room in the so-called House of the Golden Bracelet in Pompeii. The painting shows garden scenes. The find is in the British Museum.
Roman bronze funnel, used to pour dry goods. The object is located in The British Museum.
Glass drinking horn from Pompeii. The object is in the British Museum.
Casts of the remains of victims (two adults and two children) of the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 CE. The find was discovered in the House of the Golden Bracelet in Pompeii. It is currently in the British Museum.
