If you have found a spelling error, please, notify us by selecting that text and pressing Ctrl+Enter.
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.
On June 1, 384 BCE the saviour of Rome Marcus Furius Camillus announced the construction of a temple Junons Coins. The building was dedicated in 344 BCE. on the northern hill of the Capitoline Hill, where, according to tradition, the house of Manlius Capitolineus once stood1, and even earlier probably the castle (arx) of the kings. The nickname Moneta means Warning, Advising, from the Latin word monere.
Roman theater in Epomanduodurum (now Mandeure, in eastern France). Object dated to the 1st century CE. The theater could accommodate from 15,000 to 18,000 viewers in total.
Roman mosaic showing the venatio (hunting wild animal) scene. The object was discovered in a Roman villa in Nennig, in southwest Germany.
It is said that one time Octavian Augustus removed an official from his position. He asked him for a financial donation, justifying it as follows: “My point is that it would seem that I voluntarily resigned from office and received a gratification from you for it”.
Wealthy Romans often travelled with the litter. It got to such an extent that the Roman writer and rhetorician Seneca the Younger (c. 4 BCE – 65 CE) complained about the inconvenience of such a means of transport.
A preserved Roman bridge (Puente Romano) in Merida, over the Guadiana River, Spain. The object was built in the 1st century CE, it was built on the Guadiana River in the 1st century. During the following centuries, it was rebuilt or restored; however, it has retained its original appearance. The bridge is used by pedestrians to this day.
Emperor Domitian (51-96 CE) used to say that the prynceps are unhappy because they do not believe reports of the plot until they are murdered.
As we read in the message Pliny the Elder, the Egyptian Nile River gives birth to large creatures, among whom he lists hippos. According to the Roman researcher, the skin of the animal is very durable and is used to create shields and helmets. However, when the skin is properly soaked, its durability decreases.
