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 mosaic showing group of women playing musical instruments

Roman mosaic showing a group of women playing musical instruments (e.g. flutes, bowls, kitara, hydraulis). The object is dated to the 4th century CE; discovered at Maryamin, in central Syria.Więcej

Roman fresco from Pompeii showing nymph Io and Isis

Roman fresco from Pompeii shows the nymph Io (left, with golden horns) who is greeted by Isis in Egypt. The goddess was shown as the hostess, with her sacred animal – the serpent – on…Więcej

Roman painting showing Liber Pater and Libera and names

Roman painting showing Liber Pater and Libera – Roman deities personifying freedom. Along with the images of the gods on the wall of the house are the names of two characters: C. Julius Polybius and…Więcej

Pine was sacred tree

Pine (Pinus pinea) has been a sacred tree in the Apennine Peninsula since the Punic Wars (well before the advent of our era). A frequent element of the landscape, it was a symbol of eternity.…Więcej

Preserved remains of Roman fort

Preserved remains of the Roman small fort Kinnel, which was part of the fortifications of the Antoninus’ Wall in northern Britain. There were 17 such forts in total and they served as border points or…Więcej

Inscription of legion II Augusta in Scotland

An inscription commemorating the completion of the construction of the Antoninus Wall by the legion of II Augustus; dated 142 CE. Object discovered in Bo’ness (Central Scotland). Inscription says: “For the Emperor Caesar Titus Aelius…Więcej

Great Colonnade of Apamea

In the city of Apamea (now Afamia) in western Syria, there are many ruins of an ancient city. There is, among others, the longest ancient street with a colonnade. The colonnade is almost 2 km…Więcej

Detail from Roman sculpture showing tying of sandal

Detail from a Roman sculpture showing Hermes tying a sandal. The sculpture was made of marble and dates back to the 2nd century CE. It is a copy of a Greek original made of bronze…Więcej

What did Chinese call Roman Empire?

Daqin (literally “Great Qin”) was the historic name for the Roman Empire in China. This name comes from the Chinese dynasty founded by Qin Shihuangdi, which ruled the Qin state. This ruler was also the…Więcej

Roman portrait of young man

Roman portrait of a young man. The work is dated to the 2nd century CE and was found in Roman Egypt. The painting belongs to the group of the so-called Fayum portraits. They were realistic…Więcej

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