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.

Gaius Verres – example of corrupt and evil Roman governor

Gaius Verres was an example of a wicked and greedy Roman governor who, while in office (73-71 BCE) in Sicily, committed countless thefts of works of art, tax evasion and speculation on grain prices. Cicero,…Więcej

Events in Asculum in 91 BCE

In 91 BCE in the city of Asculum (the city of the Sabines in southern Italy) theatrical performances took place, during which the Roman part of the audience killed one of the comedians who showed…Więcej

Sulla was first all-powerful dictator

To this day, it seems to us that Julius Caesar was the first Roman who managed to reach almost unlimited power in the Roman republic. The truth is, however, that in 82 BCE it was…Więcej

Roman tombstone commemorating dog

Roman tombstone that commemorates a dog named Aminnaracus. The object is dated to the 1st-2nd century CE; found in Rome. The tombstone proves how strongly the Romans were attached to their pets.Więcej

Harpastum – Roman rugby

Sports were also practised naturally in ancient Rome. The game harpastum was especially popular in the army. It is considered the ancestor of today’s rugby, although some believe that today’s football also comes from this…Więcej

Hunting in Roman world

Ancient Romans weren’t as passionate about hunting as the Greeks. They treated it more as a sport and entertainment than an educational element. Hunting provided movement and exercise. Usually hunted on non-working days (otium). They…Więcej

Roman bas-relief showing portraits of boy and girl

Roman bas-relief showing portraits of a boy and a girl. The crescent moon and the stars around the girl’s head suggest that she is in heaven or that she remained a virgin until her death.…Więcej

Carrodunum

Carrodunum was the name of the city mentioned in Ptolemy’s “Geography” (II, 11, 29) identified with today’s Cracow. The origin of the name is Celtic, as indicated by the particle dunum derived from the Celtic…Więcej

Manumission slave in Rome

Manumission of a slave was referred to in ancient Rome as manumissio (literally “releasing from hand”). Originally, this practice took place in a public place, usually in front of a judge. The owner then touched…Więcej

Stone of Carausius

Stone of Carausius is a preserved stone from the end of the 3rd century CE, on which the name of the usurper Carausius was engraved. Interestingly, at the other end of the stone is the…Więcej

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