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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.

Frumentatio – distribution of grain in ancient Rome

Frumentatio was one of the most important food distribution programs in ancient Rome, which played a key role in ensuring the social and political stability of the empire. It consisted of distributing free or subsidized grain (mainly unmilled wheat) to the Roman population, especially in Rome itself, where the problem of hunger could lead to riots and destabilization of the political scene.

Fresco from Pompeii showing a bread seller

Aquis Querquennis – Roman fort in Spain

Aquis Querquennis is a Roman military camp located in northwestern Spain, in Galicia, on the Limia River. It is one of the most important archaeological sites of the region, providing fascinating information about Roman expansion into the Iberian Peninsula and the lives of Roman legionaries in the province of Gallaecia.

Aquis Querquennis

Carpentum – Roman luxury on wheels

Carpentum was one of the most important means of transportation in ancient Rome, serving both practical and symbolic functions. This two-wheeled vehicle, most often pulled by horses or mules, was used primarily by Roman elites – especially women and priests.

Carpentum

Calceus – Roman boot

Calceus is a typical Roman shoe that played a key role not only as foot protection but also as a marker of social position. It was a shoe that covered the entire foot, tied at the ankle and at the front, made of durable leather, often dyed in characteristic colours reflecting the status of its owner.

Calceus

Adlocutio – speech by Roman leader to his soldiers

Adlocutio, the speech of a Roman commander to his soldiers, was one of the most important public acts in the army of ancient Rome. It was both a formal speech and a gesture of power that demonstrated the strength of the leader’s authority. The emperor, general, or other senior commander addressed the assembled army to motivate, inspire, or convey orders before battle.

Statue of Octavian from Prima Porta

Populares – voice of people in Roman Senate

Roman republic is famous for its rich political system, which has developed a complex power structure over the centuries. At the heart of this system, various political parties competed with each other, the most famous of which were the optimates and the populares. While the optimates represented the interests of the aristocracy, the populares became the spokesman for the plebeians and those who were marginalized by the traditional elites.

Famous siblings: Tiberius (on the right) and Gaius Gracchus. They both belonged to populares

Curia Hostilia – first Roman Senate

Curia Hostilia is one of the oldest and most important places related to the political functioning of ancient Rome. Built according to legend by the third king of Rome, Tullus Hostilius, this curia was the central meeting place of the senate – the most important ruling body in the Roman Republic. It was here that senators met to debate laws, war decisions, and foreign policy, shaping the future of one of the greatest empires of antiquity.

Curia Julia - the building that replaced the Curia Hostilia

Hero of Alexandria – genius of ancient technology

Hero of Alexandria, one of the most famous scientists of the ancient world, became famous as a brilliant inventor and mathematician whose works are still admired today. He lived in the 1st century CE and operated mainly in Alexandria, which was then the scientific center of the world. It was there that he created some of the most important works in mathematics, physics and engineering that have had a huge impact on the development of technology for centuries.

Hero's engine (aeolipila) - the prototype of the steam turbine and its inventor

Negotium – business, work and public life in ancient Rome

In ancient Rome, the term “negotium” meant professional activity, both in the economic and political sense. It was the opposite of “otium” – free time devoted to rest, reflection or cultural life. Negotium played a key role in shaping the social and economic structure of the Roman Empire, as the Romans viewed work not only as a means of earning a living but also as a way to pursue ambition and gain prestige.

Roman relief showing a butcher at work

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