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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.

Roman tombstone inscribed in Greek

Roman tombstone inscribed in Greek. The object was found in Brough, Northern England. The deceased 16-year-old young man was named Hermes from Commagene in Syria; probably associated with the Roman army. The inscription asks passersby to remember the deceased and speak loudly at his grave.

Roman tombstone inscribed in Greek

Roman mosaic depicting garden scene

Roman mosaic depicting a garden scene; found in Baiae (southern Italy). The mosaic shows a peacock and other birds against the backdrop of lush and leafy plants. The object was located in a wall niche in the garden or in the courtyard and was probably made in the 1st century CE.

Roman mosaic depicting garden scene

Roman crane

In ancient Rome, cranes were used for construction works. Roman crane (polyspastos) was manned by four men on either side of the machine. The crane was able to lift up to 3,000 kg.

Roman crane (polyspastos)

Polar bears in ancient Rome?

According to the message of Titus Calpurnius Siculus, a Roman poet from the 3rd century CE, in ancient Rome, in the arenas of amphitheatres, bears were supposed to appear hunting for seals. The writer specifically mentions here an event during the reign of Emperor Nero (54-68 CE).

Polar bear

Cybele – saving of Rome

The appearance in Roman mythology of Cybele is associated with defeats during the Second Punic War. In 205 BCE The Senate called on a college of priests to consult the Books of Sibyl about the results of the ongoing war. The priests have issued a verdict that the only thing that can save Italy in this tragic hour is to bring a new goddess to Rome.

Statuette depicting Cybele

Wedding of Pelops and Hippodamea on Roman mosaic

Beautiful Roman mosaic depicting a mythological scene – the wedding of Pelops and Hippodameia. Photos, the god of desire, shows the couple entering the bedroom, suggesting an act of love. The names were written in Greek. The object is dated to the end of the 3rd century CE.

Wedding of Pelops and Hippodamea on Roman mosaic

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