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Curiosities of ancient Rome

The world of ancient Romans abounded in a number of amazing curiosities and information. The source of knowledge about the life of the Romans are mainly works left to us by ancient writers or discoveries. The Romans left behind a lot of strange information and facts that are sometimes hard to believe.

Attempt to stop vandals

Outside the cities, the Romans did not build any public toilets, so travellers in need went to the bushes. On one of the ancient Roman tombstones near Rome, there is an interesting inscription:

Via Appia

Number 17 was unlucky for Romans

In Rome, the number 17 was considered an unlucky number. Anagram of this number written in Roman signs – XVII, forms the word VIXI, which in Latin means “I lived”. Until today, buildings in Italy do not have the 17th floor or room numbered.

Roman mosaic showing theatrical masks

Mourning woman and Trajan

Trajan was one of the most respected Roman emperors. Over the centuries, it was believed that the conqueror-emperor showed extraordinary rule of law, and he made decisions based on the opinion of his closest council of advisers. Until our times, the probably imaginary, although widespread and popular in the Middle Ages story about the meeting of the emperor with a mourning woman has survived.

Mourning woman before Trajan

Trajan’s uncompromising attitude in fight for Armenia

The throne of Armenia, a country at the confluence of Roman and Parthian influences, was informally consulted and established between the two then powers over the years. When in 110 CE king Osroes I of the Parthians appointed his nephew Axidares, son of former king Pacorus II, to the throne of Armenia, there was a breach of an unwritten rule, and Rome was not asked to accept the new candidacy.

Trajan

Roman perfurme vessel

Roman perfume vessel, made of Roman glass with a golden cup in the shape of a woman’s head. Thanks to the long skewer, it was possible to remove the liquid from the glass container, drop by drop. Object dated to the 1st century CE.

Roman perfurme vessel

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