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.

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

Roman wall fresco depicting Amor fighting against Pan

Roman wall fresco depicting Amor fighting with Pan in front of Silenus – the deity of nature. The clash of these mythical idols was in ancient times a symbol of the struggle between love and…Więcej

Short javelins – plumbatae

In the Roman legion, apart from the usual javelins (pilum), a type of short javelin (plumbatae) was also used. Plumbata was a kind of a dart approximately 60 cm with a lead load (ball), thanks…Więcej

Fragment of colored glass with image of fish

Fragment of colored glass with an image of a fish, which dates back to 2nd BCE – 1st century CE. Object found in Egypt.Więcej

Relief with mask

Bas-relief shows the profile of a figure with long hair, wearing a diadem decorated with leaves and bunches of grapes. The head rests on a wicker basket, partially covered with goatskin. Initially, the relief was…Więcej

Helmets of Roman gladiators

Most publications on the Polish market are full of errors in this matter. Konstantin Nosow is the most perfect in the described subject (Osprey’s publication “Gladiators. Bloody spectacle in the history of Rome”, Polish version…Więcej

Octavian Augustus as highest priest

Sculpture depicts emperor Octavian Augustus dressed as Pontifex Maximus (the highest priest). He is wearing a toga and his head is covered. His feet are shod in calcei patricii (shoes worn by the upper class…Więcej

Gambling was extremely popular in ancient Rome

Gambling, betting and board games are still very popular today. As it turns out, gambling was also extremely popular in ancient Rome, as evidenced by the numerous game boards found in the areas of the…Więcej

Easy conquest of Rome by Gauls

Conquest of Rome by the Gauls in 390 BCE in Roman historiography, it appeared as one of the most tragic events in the history of Rome. The city was to be conquered by the tribe…Więcej

Roman toiletry bag

Roman toiletry bag of patrician. The makeup in ancient Rome mainly included the face and neck and shoulders. These parts of the body were sprinkled with white powder or pearl powder. Just like today, the…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