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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.

Dionysus on tiger

Roman mosaic showing a young Bacchus (Dionysus) savoring wine while riding a tiger. Object found in Faun’s house in Pompeii; now it is in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples. The strange appearance of the animal may be due to the fact that the artist saw the animal only once or it is only his image.

Dionysus on tiger

Original cult of genius

The most original cult of the Romans was the cult of genius. As a guardian deity, he was born along with a man, he guided his good and bad fortune. He was shown as a young man in a toga, with a veil on his face, a cup and a cornucopia.

Head of a genius, worshiped by a Roman soldier (object found in Vindobona, 2nd century CE)

Medician Antonius Musa

During the time of the first emperor – Octavian Augustus – Princeps himself was highly appreciated by a medic, a certain Antony Musa. He used, in 23 BCE, a revolutionary method of treatment – different from other doctors – namely cold compresses/baths, which healed a seriously ill emperor.

Antonius Musa

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