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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.
From “gas stations” on sea routes to large metropolises
The Phoenician colonization of the western Mediterranean, the controversial rivalry with the Greek settlers and the wealth of Phenicia are issues that are well known to people, even if only superficially interested in antiquity. But what was the process like? How has the community changed, creating new Semitic settlements on unknown lands?
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.
Faustina the Younger and Marcus Aurelius in relief
Roman relief in a precious stone showing Faustina the Younger and Marcus Aurelius. It is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Florence. Dated to the 2nd century CE.
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.
