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.

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

Lycurgus Cup

Lycurgus Cup (also known as the Lycurgus chalice) is an example of the advancement of Roman culture. Depending on the angle at which the sun’s rays fall on the cup, the decorations of the vessel…Więcej

Sulla was especially cruel

According to ancient sources, Lucius Cornelius Sulla, after taking full power at the end of 82 BCE, began extremely bloody proscriptions against the opposition and his enemies, which claimed nearly 3,000 people. Their property was…Więcej

Small Roman glass basket

Small Roman glass basket that is approximately 1,800 years old. Object found in Syria.Więcej

Roman horses were excellently trained

Roman horses racing in the quadrigas were known for excellent training. The case of Emperor Claudius proves this. whose coachman fell out of the quadriga at the start. Despite the lack of a driver, they…Więcej

Process of Asicius

W 56 roku p.n.e. Publiusz Azycjusz został oskarżony o zabójstwo Diona z Aleksandrii – egipskiego posła. Uważano, że morderstwo to dokonane zostało na zlecenie Pompejusza. Oskarżenie zostało wniesione przez Tytusa Koponiusza u którego Dion się…Więcej

Crimen laesae maiestatis

Crimen laesae maiestatis in Roman law was a crime of offending majesty, punished as treason. Roman law considered crimen laesae maiestatis not only attacks or attempts to overthrow the emperor, but also threats, offensive statements…Więcej

Incitatus – horse of Caligula

Incitatus was Spain’s favourite racehorse of Emperor Caligula, whom he made consul of Rome. According to Suetonius, the animal had 18 servants for itself, he lived in a marble stable, walked in a harness decorated…Więcej

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