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.

Roman children wore “bulla”

Children up to the age of fourteen wore a medallion called a “bulla” around their necks. The medallions were designed to protect children from evil spirits and forces. The bullae were round in shape and…Więcej

Roman bust of god Serapis

Roman bust of the god Serapis. The object was made of silver; dated to the 2nd century CE.Więcej

Roman spoon made of glass

Roman spoon made of glass. It is an extremely rare object as spoons were usually made of metal, mainly bronze, bone or wood. Artifact dated to the 3rd – 4th century CE. The Romans used…Więcej

End of Greek and Macedonian phalanx

The end of the Greek and Macedonian phalanxes brought clashes with Roman legions fighting in a more flexible manipular formation. The defeats of the Hellenistic armies at Cynoscephalae (197 BCE), Magnesia (190 BCE) and Pydna…Więcej

Large number of recruits in Roman army

Roman army for a long time had large numbers of recruits. This was due to the fact that soldiers from the conquered provinces eagerly joined the army (auxilia). After 25 years of service, these soldiers…Więcej

Mimic competition in 46 BCE

In 46 BCE Julius Caesar defeated the still opposing optimates (including Cato the Younger) under Thapsus. To celebrate the victory in Africa, Caesar’s supporters decided to organize games (ludi), during which mime competitions were to…Więcej

Are you up with your left foot again?

Greco-Roman texts provide a great deal of information about the ancients’ views on religious matters, many of which refer to very mundane matters. Often the superstitions of ordinary people from two thousand years ago are…Więcej

Roman tent in Scotland

Tents were in use already in ancient times. The ancient Romans used them mainly in marching camps (castra aestiva), which were pitched during military campaigns every day. We owe much information about their construction to…Więcej

Pilum – effective weapon of legionaries

Pilum was a legionary’s javelin for throwing at a distance before the fight. The enemy’s shield was not a serious obstacle for a well-trained legionary. The spear pierced her, as well as the man behind…Więcej

Roman mosaic showing sea scene

Roman mosaic depicting a sea scene from a female dressing room (apodyterium) in the thermal baths at Herculaneum. The scene shows the sea god Triton, holding the wheel and a fish, surrounded by dolphins, an…Więcej

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