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.

Form Urbis Romae – map of Rome

Form Urbis Romae also called (Form Urbis Severiana) is from the times of the Severan dynasty (193-235 CE) a map of ancient Rome. It is the only plan of this type preserved from antiquity. Form…Więcej

Roman altar dedicated to goddess Luna

Preserved Roman altar dedicated to the goddess Luna, which was discovered in Mundelsheim (southwest Germany). The object is dated to the 2nd-3rd century CE. It is in the collection of the Landesmuseum Württemberg in Stuttgart…Więcej

Baths in “gold” of Caligula

Emperor Caligula (ruled CE 37-41) made history primarily as an orgy lover. However, he had other interests as well, such as bathing in piles of gold coins – as Suetonius told us. It was kind…Więcej

Roman tombstone of Marcus Valerius Celerinus

Roman tombstone of Marcus Valerius Celerinus, Roman soldier of the Legio X Gemina Pia Fidelis. The tombstone was commissioned by his wife, Marcia Procula. Celerinus was originally from southern Spain, however a tombstone was discovered…Więcej

Domitian and fears about assassination

Emperor Domitian, despite his initially peaceful rule, became very suspicious over time. A guard almost always accompanied him. He covered the walls of his palace with shiny stone (the so-called fengit) so that he could…Więcej

Coin in honor of victory at Actium

Roman coin was minted in honour of Octavian Augustus’ victory over Mark Antony and Cleopatra in the battle of Actium in 31 BCE. Octavian and his friend and commander Marcus Agrippa are depicted on the…Więcej

Different opinions about Nero

Already ancient s had different opinions about Emperor Nero; some even gave some “positive” feedback. When asked by the flatterers, the philosopher Apollonius of Tyana replied, “I think of him better than you, for you…Więcej

Holy water in antiquity

Holy water is associated with the Christian faith. It is used in baptisms, blessing and expelling evil. Few, however, realize that the holy springs occurred in other religions, including the ancient Greeks and Romans. It…Więcej

Roman wall fresco depicting Silenus and fight of Amor with Pan

Roman wall fresco depicting Silenus, the god of nature, watching Amor and Pan fighting each other. The struggle itself is interpreted as a rivalry between love and desire. The object adorned the walls of the…Więcej

Roman multiplication table and counting lesson

In ancient Rome, students learned the multiplication table by repeating after the teacher the words: bis bina quattuor – decantare, which means “two times two, four – speak”. The teacher of counting on fingers or…Więcej

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