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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.

History of Holy Legion

Roman emperor from the turn of the 3rd and 4th centuries CE, Maximian, co-ruling with Diocletian, became famous as persecutors of the followers of Christianity. Maximian was once to order the decimation (decimatio) of a legion (the so-called Theban legion, derived from Egypt) composed of Christian soldiers. The commander’s decision was based on the fact that the detachment refused to put down a revolt in Gaul, which was triggered by fellow believers.

5 February 2022

St. Maurice in the painting by M. G. Grünewald

Measuring grain on mosaic

Roman mosaic in Ostia showing the measurement of grain. The seizure was performed by the so-called agrimensores, who specialized in measuring the amount of material or distance.

5 February 2022

Ancient Egyptian child drawing

Ancient Egyptian child’s drawing on a fragment of a pottery vessel. The object was found at Athribis (Egypt); it is dated to the 1st century BCE – 1st CE. In ancient times, the ostracon was used as a cheap writing material.

4 February 2022

Roman decorations – phalerae

For the bravery shown in combat and good performance of all duties, Roman soldiers could receive the so-called a phalera (plural phalerae), a kind of medal or decoration which they then wore tied with leather straps above the chest.

4 February 2022

Silver phalerae found near Lauersfort Castle (West Germany)

Underfloor heating system in Villa Romana del Casale, Sicily

Remains of the Roman floor heating system – hypocaustum – in the Roman Villa Romana del Casale in Sicily. The floor rested on visible brick pillars (pilae) about 80 cm high, and in the visible space warm air, which was generated by heating in the furnace, was supported. The system was expensive and required constant servicing of slaves; therefore only richer citizens could afford it.

4 February 2022

Underfloor heating system in Villa Romana del Casale, Sicily

Cato the Elder insisted on bathing children in warm urine

The Roman statesman, Cato the Elder insisted that children should be bathed in warm urine, made by adults who have eaten cabbage before. On the other hand, if the child does not feel like falling asleep, put goat fertilizer in the diaper.

4 February 2022

Bust of an older man – the so-called patrician Torlonia. Considered to be a likeness of Cato the Elder

Romulus’ ideas for increasing population

The legendary first king of Rome, Romulus wanted to create a great and populated Rome. To this end, it required parents not to kill any children until the age of three, unless the child was deformed or paralyzed.

3 February 2022

Pigeons drinking water from vessel

Fragment of a Roman mosaic showing a group of pigeons drinking from a vessel. The object adorned Hadrian’s villa in Tivoli (a city approximately 28 kilometers from Rome) in the years 118-134 CE.

3 February 2022

Part of preserved Roman leather tent

Fragment of a preserved Roman leather tent from the Vercovicium fort, which formed part of Hadrian’s wall. The creation of one tent for an 8-person contubernium (the smallest unit in the legion) could require about 70 goatskins.

1 February 2022

Cato the Elder, known as Censor

Cato the Elder fought against all Greek influence as a supporter of the traditional virtues of Roman and republican rule. He was a supporter of strict and old Roman traditions, the origin of which dates back to the Samnites.

1 February 2022

Curiosities of ancient Rome

History of Holy Legion

Measuring grain on mosaic

Ancient Egyptian child drawing

Roman decorations – phalerae

Underfloor heating system in Villa Romana del Casale, Sicily

Cato the Elder insisted on bathing children in warm urine

Romulus’ ideas for increasing population

Pigeons drinking water from vessel

Part of preserved Roman leather tent

Cato the Elder, known as Censor

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Curiosities of ancient Rome

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