If you have found a spelling error, please, notify us by selecting that text and pressing Ctrl+Enter.
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 mosaic showing philosophers at Plato’s Academy
Roman mosaic showing the philosophers at the Plato Academy of Athens listening to a lecture by Plato, sitting in the center, pointing at the globe with a stick. Behind the men is a sundial. The object adorned the villa of Titus Siminius Stephanus in Pompeii and dates back to the 1st BCE – 1st century CE.
Plaque confirming demobilization and granting Roman citizenship
A plate made of bronze, which served as confirmation of the demobilization of a Roman soldier of auxilia and granting him, in exchange for faithful service, Roman citizenship. The property is located in the Colchester Museum in the East of England.
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.
Roman bust of Emperor Gordian III
Roman bust of Marcus Antonius Gordianus, known as Emperor Gordian III. The object was found in Tunisia; now it is in the Louvre in Paris (France). He ruled in the years 238 – 244 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.
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.
What did 1st century CE legionary carry with him?
Josephus Flavius wrote in the 1st century CE that all legionaries carried in addition to weapons: saw, basket, bucket, axe, leather belt, sickle, chain and a food ration that was supposed to last for three days.
