Curiosities of ancient Rome

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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.

Wreck of Roman ship from Comacchio

Wreck of a Roman merchant ship from Comacchio, Northern Italy. The ship was about 20 meters long and 5 meters wide. The wreck was discovered in 1981 during the maintenance of the drainage canal. Researchers…Więcej

Dedication of Temple of Juno Moneta

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,…Więcej

Roman theater in Epomanduodurum

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.Więcej

Roman mosaic showing venatio scene

Roman mosaic showing the venatio (hunting wild animal) scene. The object was discovered in a Roman villa in Nennig, in southwest Germany.Więcej

Forgiving Octavian Augustus

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…Więcej

Charms of traveling in litter according to Seneca

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…Więcej

Roman bridge in Merida

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…Więcej

Roman mosaic showing man throwing discus

Roman mosaic showing a man throwing a discus. The object is dated from the 2nd-3rd century CE; is located in the Gallo-Roman museum Saint-Romain-en-Gal.Więcej

Emperor Domitian and his thought

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. These words were probably not uttered without reason. Domitian at…Więcej

Pliny the Elder on hippos

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…Więcej

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