Curiosities of ancient Rome

This page is also available in: Polish (polski)

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.

Funny Augustus

It is said that one day the emperor Octavian Augustus ordered a spoiled young man – a man named Herenius – to leave the Roman camp. The latter, wanting to appease him, exclaimed: “How can…Więcej

Fear of death

Roman citizen Caecina Petus was involved in a plot (42 CE) against Emperor Claudius. Sentenced to death by the emperor, he was to take his own life. He hesitated, however, and could not dare to…Więcej

Roman sculpture showing young man

Roman sculpture showing a young man. Researchers suspect that it may be an image of one of Octavian Augustus’ grandsons: Gaius or Lucius. It is located in the Archaeological Museum of Milan.Więcej

Hadrian and his villa

Emperor Hadrian (reigning in the years 117-138 CE) became famous as one of the so-called “five good emperors”. His reign was a period of stabilization and order in the country, which did not wage serious…Więcej

Liar merchant

According to the Historia Augusta, during the reign of Gallienus (253-268 CE), a Roman merchant who traded in fake jewellery was captured and led to the arena, where he had faced a bloodthirsty lion. As…Więcej

Gladiator training costs

The costs of training the gladiator were very high – in the order of tens of thousands of sesterces. Hardly any school would allow itself, colloquially speaking, in a “shambles” in which many students would…Więcej

Importance of belts in Roman army

Balteus took the form of a belt decorated with silver plates or embossed with bronze. It was a symbol of a legionary, so taking it off meant “suspension” “in being a soldier. During the year…Więcej

Letter from soldier Aurelius Polion with complaint to family

Fragmented ancient papyrus which was sent by a Roman soldier named Aurelius Polion to his family. In it, the soldier complains that he does not receive letters from them and that he feels as if…Więcej

Well-preserved Roman military sandal

A military sandal (caliga) made of leather, preserved to our times, in good condition. The object was found in Qasr Ibrim, in the south of Egypt. The artefact is dated to the 1st BCE –…Więcej

Ancient Romans footwear

Walking barefoot in ancient Rome was frowned upon and testified to the low status of a person. Likewise, neglected and leaky shoes were viewed as evidence of poverty. To a large extent, the Romans adopted…Więcej

IMPERIUM ROMANUM needs your support!

If you like the content I collect on the website and share it on social media channels, I will be grateful for your support. Even the smallest amounts will allow me to pay for further corrections and improvements on the site and pay for the server.

Support IMPERIUM ROMANUM!

Discover secrets of ancient Rome!

If you want to be up to date with the newest articles on the website and discoveries from ancient Rome, subscribe to the newsletter, which is sent each Saturday.

Subscribe to newsletter!

Classic mobile version