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.

Roman floor mosaic depicting goddess Diana

Roman floor mosaic depicting the goddess Diana, made in the eastern Mediterranean. Dated to the 4th-5th century CE, the piece is located at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Canada.Więcej

Nearly 2,000-year-old Roman military sun hat

The Bolton Museum in Bolton, England, houses a nearly 2,000-year-old Roman military sun hat—one of only three such items preserved in the world. Made of wool, it dates from around the 2nd century CE. The…Więcej

Leda and Swan in Roman mosaic

Leda and Swan in Roman mosaic; the object dates to the 2nd-3rd century CE. In Greek mythology, Zeus, enchanted by the beautiful Leda, took the form of a swan and approached her on the Eurotas…Więcej

Fresco depicting woman with Amor

Fresco depicting a woman with Cupid, who hands her a golden box. The object dates to the 1st century CE and was discovered in the House of Meleager in Pompeii. On display at the Ashmolean…Więcej

Black and white bird on Roman fresco

Black-and-white bird on a Roman fresco. The object dates to the 1st century CE; discovered in the so-called House of the Golden Bracelet in Pompeii.Więcej

Roman fresco showing table covered with dishes

Roman fresco depicting a table laden with dishes. The painting was intended to symbolize the deceased’s wealth. The object was discovered in the tomb of Caius Vestorius Priscus in Pompeii.Więcej

Roman fresco depicting bird

Roman fresco depicting a bird. Dating back to the 1st century CE, it comes from the Villa of Poppaea in Oplontis (central Italy).Więcej

Fragment of Roman fresco depicting man riding dolphin

Fragment of a Roman fresco depicting a man riding a dolphin. The object dates to the 1st century CE and is located at the National Roman Museum in Rome.Więcej

Young woman looking at viewer

Roman fresco depicting a young woman gazing at the viewer. The object dates to the 1st century BCE and was discovered at the Villa of the Mysteries in Pompeii.Więcej

Rooster eating fruit

Roman fresco depicting a rooster eating fruit. Dated to the 1st century CE, discovered in Pompeii.Więcej

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