Roman mosaic showing octopus
Roman mosaic showing an octopus. The object was located in a Roman villa in Villaquejida, Spain. Dated on the 2nd-3rd century CE; it is now in the National Archaeological Museum of Madrid.
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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 of certain Sanctinius Exsuperatus
Roman tombstone and stone with a rare name – Sanctinius Exsuperatus. The objects were made of red sandstone and discovered southwest of the Roman fortress of Isca (today’s Caerleon, South Wales). Scientists date objects to the 1st-5th century CE.
Marble portrait of Roman emperor Octavian Augustus
Marble portrait of the Roman Emperor Octavian Augustus, which was part of a larger statue. The object is dated to the 1st century CE; it is currently on display at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Caere – city that accepted Vestals
When in 390 BCE the Gauls invaded and conquered Rome, the priests of Quirinus and the priestesses of Vesta decided to leave the city and save the holy artefacts of the Romans from the barbarians. The vestals were to go with their full weight across the Tiber, towards the Janiculum Hill.
Roman vessel from crystal
Roman drinking vessel made of one piece of rock crystal – quartz. Object dated to the 1st century CE.
Roman tokens in exchange for sexual favors
Sexual services were normally paid between 2 and 10 asses. Occasionally, special coins (spintria) were issued which, according to scientists, were in the form of our present-day tokens. They gave entry and the possibility of using the services. More coins of this type.
Roman portrait of Emperor Tiberius
Roman portrait of Emperor Tiberius with a toga covering his head. The object was found in Gortyna, Crete; it is currently on display at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. The sculpture is dated to the 1st century CE.
Portrait of Marcus Aurelius from Crete
Marble portrait of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. The object was found in Gortyna, Crete; it is currently on display at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Preserved marble portrait of Emperor Caracalla
A preserved marble portrait of Emperor Caracalla, which dates back to the beginning of the 2nd century CE. The object was found in Gortyn, Crete; it is currently on display at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
