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.

Vomiting during feast was not routine

The custom of vomiting (by skilfully manipulating a feather or a slave’s finger) during Roman feasts, although mentioned in various sources, almost always applies to only a few Roman emperors (Vitellius, Claudius, Nero; the latter…Więcej

Roman feast ended with drinking

Commisatio was the last part of the Roman feast (cena). At that time, the revelers consumed large amounts of wine, which was accompanied (similar to the Greek symposium) by discussions and reflections. Roman “parties” usually…Więcej

Roman barrel-shaped tombstone

Roman barrel-shaped tombstone. The tombstone commemorates a certain Lucius Julius Polybius, who lived 72 years, and the inscription on the object reads “sit tibi terra levis”, that is, “let the earth rest lightly”. Naturally, the…Więcej

Sculpture of horsemen from Pompeii

Sculpture of a horseman that has been taken from a horse. The object was found in fragments in Pompeii. Researchers suspect that the object may have adorned the city’s triumphal arch. The artefact is in…Więcej

Romans ate while reclining

Roman patricians ate in reclining positions, settling on sofas. The sofas encircled the main table on three sides, with food and drink delivered by slaves to individual guests. The name of the Roman dining room…Więcej

Envoy from Laodicea

Once upon a time, an envoy from Laodicea came to Rome. He was to ask Julius Caesar himself for freedom for his country. Before that, however, he met Cicero. He was supposed to say to…Więcej

Julia was example of unfaithful wife

Augustus’ daughter Julia was an example of an unfaithful wife. Although in 11 BCE she became the wife of Tiberius, she did not avoid romance and love outside the marriage bed. Julia’s scandalous conduct resulted…Więcej

Non sufficit orbis

Philip II of Habsburg became king of Portugal in 1581. To celebrate the union of Spain and Portugal, he commissioned the minting of medals showing his reign over Portugal and the Atlantic Ocean. In 1583…Więcej

Ancient building of Saepta Iulia

The ancient building Saepta Iulia on the Field of Mars was a place where in ancient Rome citizens cast their votes in the so-called tribute commissions (comitiatributa), deciding on the election of lower officials (aediles,…Więcej

Roman mosaic showing man carrying water dishes

Roman mosaic showing a man carrying water dishes. The object marked the entrance to the caldarium (hot water pool) at Menander’s House in Pompeii.Więcej

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