If you have found a spelling error, please, notify us by selecting that text and pressing Ctrl+Enter.
Curiosities of ancient Rome
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.
Titus and petitioners
Emperor Titus (39-81 CE) ensured that none of his petitioners was left without an answer. Once, when he was accused of promising more than he could fulfil, he replied: “It is not right for anyone to go away sorrowful from an interview with his emperor”.
Wreck of Roman ship from Comacchio
Wreck of a Roman merchant ship from Comacchio, Northern Italy. The ship was about 20 meters long and 5 meters wide. The wreck was discovered in 1981 during the maintenance of the drainage canal. Researchers suggest that the ship was probably washed ashore by a storm at the mouth of the river.
Dedication of Temple of Juno Moneta
On June 1, 384 BCE the saviour of Rome Marcus Furius Camillus announced the construction of a temple Junons Coins. The building was dedicated in 344 BCE. on the northern hill of the Capitoline Hill, where, according to tradition, the house of Manlius Capitolineus once stood1, and even earlier probably the castle (arx) of the kings. The nickname Moneta means Warning, Advising, from the Latin word monere.
Roman theater in Epomanduodurum
Roman theater in Epomanduodurum (now Mandeure, in eastern France). Object dated to the 1st century CE. The theater could accommodate from 15,000 to 18,000 viewers in total.
Roman mosaic showing venatio scene
Roman mosaic showing the venatio (hunting wild animal) scene. The object was discovered in a Roman villa in Nennig, in southwest Germany.
Forgiving Octavian Augustus
It is said that one time Octavian Augustus removed an official from his position. He asked him for a financial donation, justifying it as follows: “My point is that it would seem that I voluntarily resigned from office and received a gratification from you for it”.
Charms of traveling in litter according to Seneca
Wealthy Romans often travelled with the litter. It got to such an extent that the Roman writer and rhetorician Seneca the Younger (c. 4 BCE – 65 CE) complained about the inconvenience of such a means of transport.
Roman bridge in Merida
A preserved Roman bridge (Puente Romano) in Merida, over the Guadiana River, Spain. The object was built in the 1st century CE, it was built on the Guadiana River in the 1st century. During the following centuries, it was rebuilt or restored; however, it has retained its original appearance. The bridge is used by pedestrians to this day.
