Curiosities of ancient Rome

This page is also available in: Polish (polski)

The world of the ancient Romans was rich in extraordinary, and sometimes even surprising, facts. We draw our knowledge of Roman daily life, customs, and mentality primarily from works left by ancient writers and historians. It is thanks to them that we discover information that is astonishing today – sometimes even hard to believe. Below are some interesting facts that reveal a lesser-known and less obvious side of the Roman world.

I encourage you to submit your own suggestions and to report any corrections or inaccuracies.

Knife handle with erotic elements

In 2008, David Barker found a bronze knife handle with erotic elements. The handle shows two men and a woman having a sexual act. This strange Roman specimen was found in Britain in Lincolnshire. Interestingly,…Więcej

Fashion and jewelry in Rome developed strongly

In ancient Rome, fashion developed more than in Greece. The same was true of jewellery. Precious stones were very popular with the ladies; the most popular were emeralds. A big surprise for modern women may…Więcej

Publius Virgil Maro

The greatest poet in Rome was Publius Virgil Maro. To this day, however, the erroneous form Virgil is also used, which first appeared in the 5th century CE. It resulted from the intrusive use of…Więcej

Fragment of wooden Roman barrel

Fragment of a wooden Roman barrel found in Oberaden in western Germany, on the site of a former legionary camp. The object is dated to the 1st century CE. Wine was transported in the barrel,…Więcej

German archaeologists celebrate discovery of fragment of Roman barrel

German archaeologists are celebrating the discovery of a preserved fragment of a Roman barrel that was found on the site of a former legionary camp in Oberaden, western Germany. Photo taken in 1910.Więcej

Keraunia or “stone of thunder”

Stone axe blade from antiquity (the so-called Keraunia or “thunder stone”). The object is dated to the 2nd-3rd century CE. Object is engraved with Greek letters that create a magical inscription with a love or…Więcej

Roman board game – Tabula Lusoria

Roman board game – Tabula Lusoria. The name Tabula Lusoria is more of a broad term and in Latin, it means more or less the same as “playing field”. The game is designed for two…Więcej

Cup from Emona

Cup from Emona. A glass cup was discovered in one of the graves in a cemetery near the Roman castrum (now Ljubljana, Slovenia). It was made of glass in the millefiori technique (an Italian term…Więcej

Way to increase number of marriages

Quintus Cecilius Metellus Numidian, leader of the optimates and opponent of Gaius Marius, was considered an energetic man, with an impeccable reputation. In 102 BCE he held the office of censor. During his tenure in…Więcej

Examples of Romans’ dissatisfaction with authority

In Roman historiography, there were not many events that could be described as rebellions of the population against the local elite or the emperor, in connection with, for example, problems with food supplies. This does…Więcej

IMPERIUM ROMANUM needs your support!

If you like the content I collect on the website and share it on social media channels, I will be grateful for your support. Even the smallest amounts will allow me to pay for further corrections and improvements on the site and pay for the server.

Support IMPERIUM ROMANUM!

Discover secrets of ancient Rome!

If you want to be up to date with the newest articles on the website and discoveries from ancient Rome, subscribe to the newsletter, which is sent each Saturday.

Subscribe to newsletter!

Classic mobile version