Curiosities of ancient Rome

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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.

Massive Roman table

Massive Roman table made of marble and bronze. Object dated to the 1st century CE. The table was probably used in public areas of the household, such as an atrium, to impress guests. It is…Więcej

Roman terracotta toy

Roman terracotta toy and a baby bottle in one, in the shape of a pig. According to scientists, the item could belong to a newborn girl or a pregnant woman – who died 2,400 years…Więcej

Conducting trenches

Trenching was an important method of siege warfare in antiquity. According to legend, during the siege of the Etruscan capital Veii in 396 BCE, Roman soldiers digging the tunnel heard a bard over them proclaiming…Więcej

Sculpture of Diadumenos

Partially preserved marble sculpture of a certain Diadumenos, who adorns his head with a headband after winning an athletics competition. The object is dated to the 1st century CE; is on display at The Metropolitan…Więcej

Great people – few words about giants

The ancients were keenly interested in the past. The stories of the mythical Trojan War and the return of the heroes from Troy to their homes throughout the epoch were a source of entertainment for…Więcej

Hercules as young man

Roman bronze statue probably depicting Hercules as a young man. The eyes of the sculpture are made of blue glass. According to researchers, once a figure could hold a bow and an arrow. The object…Więcej

Fragment of Roman mosaic showing goddess Luna on chariot

Fragment of a Roman mosaic showing the goddess Luna on a chariot. The object is dated to the 3rd century CE and was discovered in Orbe-Boscéaz, Switzerland.Więcej

Roman kitchenware from Pompeii

Roman kitchenware from Pompeii. From the left side, you can see: a frying pan, a baking tray, a jug, a round pan with two handles, a standing grill, a bucket and a ladle. Objects are…Więcej

Fragment of Roman relief depicting Emperor Marcus Aurelius

Fragment of a Roman relief from Hadrian’s Mausoleum depicting Emperor Marcus Aurelius. It is located in Glyptotek Ny Carlsberg in Copenhagen.Więcej

Gaius Pescennius Niger and his coinage

Gaius Pescennius Niger appeared in the pages of history in extremely interesting and difficult times for Imperium Romanum. After the murder of Emperor Commodus and the short and at the same time tragic reign of…Więcej

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