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.

Velites – young javelin throwers

Velites, Roman javelin throwers, composed of young and poor men, could not afford to buy Roman armour (lorica hamata), worn by professional legionaries. Therefore, they put on animal skins to emphasize their strength and prowess.…Więcej

Conquest of Veii in 396 BCE

According to ancient sources, the conquest of Veii by Rome in 396 BCE was an important event for the Roman community. Veii was located only 16 km north of the “Eternal City” and posed a…Więcej

Roman cavalry masks

Roman cavalry from the late Empire period and legion ensigns (signifers) sometimes wore special metal masks to represent strength and to deter enemies. These types of masks were worn during military parades or driving drills…Więcej

Roman herma showing young woman named Statia Quinta

Roman herma showing a young woman named Statia Quinta. The inscription on the statue gives her name along with the letters L.L., which researchers translate as Lucia Liberta, meaning “freedwoman of Lucius”. The object was…Więcej

Impressive fortifications of Dacians

Dacians were a people living in what is now Romania and part of Hungary. To this day, we can admire the remains of buildings and fortresses they built in the Orăștie mountains, which are part…Więcej

How did ancient Romans lose weight?

Many people ask themselves how to lose weight in an easy and fun way. The answer to this question is not easy. As it turns out, people in ancient times had similar problems. Let us…Więcej

Why couldn’t ancient Roman women drink wine?

In Roman times, there was a law forbidding women from consuming wine on pain of flogging or the death penalty. Cato the Elder, called the Censor, spoke bluntly: If you see your wife drinking wine,…Więcej

Disruptions in Roman market

The turmoil in the financial markets and in the real economy made state intervention necessary. Carrying out active measures to limit the effects of the crisis, however, is nothing new and was used hundreds of…Więcej

Mons Palatinus in legends of Livy

Wzgórzem, na którym wg. tradycji Romulus założył w 753 roku p. n. e. Rzym był Palatyn. Liwiusz wywodzi jego nazwę od arkadyjskiego miasta Pallanteum, z którego pochodził Euander – pierwszy władca tych terenów, który ustanowił…Więcej

Music in life of ancient Romans

Music in ancient Rome was often associated with work. The singing was supposed to give it a rhythm and a good pace. For example, rowers worked listening to the so-called hortator, that is, they rowed…Więcej

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