Curiosities of ancient Rome
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Aius Locutius – heavenly voice
Aius Locutius is a mysterious deity of unknown origin and appearance. In Roman mythology, it appears only once and in the form of a voice. Etymology of the name The meaning of the name Aius Locutius can be translated literally ... Read more
Plutarch’s mention of Domitian
“Lives” are one of the most fascinating works of antiquity. Its author, Plutarch of Chaeronea (ca. 46 – ca. 120 CE), compiles the profiles of famous Greeks and Romans. When describing these characters, he focuses mainly on their actions, character ... Read more
Griffin on Roman fresco
Roman fresco from the Villa of the Mysteries in Pompeii, showing a griffin. The scene shows a member of the Arimaspa people stealing gold from a griffin. The object dates back to the mid-1st century BCE. The artifact is located ... Read more
Roman glass vessel in shape of gladiator’s helmet
Roman glass vessel in the shape of a gladiator’s helmet. The object was made in the Rhineland in the 3rd century CE. It is currently in the British Museum.
“Human lanterns” – dark practice of ancient Rome
Brutality and cruelty are often associated with ancient Rome, and one of the most horrific customs was the practice of using convicts as “human lanterns”. What did this cruel way of punishment look like and what does it say about ... Read more
Roman sculpture of woman’s head
Roman sculpture of a woman’s head, probably the goddess Juno Sospita (savior). Its attributes were a goat’s skin with horns, which was on the sculpture’s head. The preserved head was part of a larger composition. The object dates back to ... Read more
Fate in Roman world
In ancient Rome, one of the most intriguing customs was fate, i.e. the concept of fate, which was closely related to divine will. It was believed that the goddesses of fate, known as the Trinity of Fatum – Nona, Decima ... Read more
Computer reconstruction of famous couple from Roman fresco
Computer reconstruction of the famous couple from the Roman fresco entitled “The Baker and His Wife”. Below is the original: [gallery size=”full” ids=”43183″]
Asinius Pollio – creator of first public library in Rome
Gaius Asinius Pollio (ca. 76 BCE – ca. 4 CE) was a Roman military officer, politician, supporter of Julius Caesar, and writer. Pollio’s greatest achievement was founding the first public library in Rome – the Atrium Libertatis (“Temple of Liberty”) ... Read more
Crepitus – controversial god of “farts” and toilets
Crepitus is an interesting character in Roman mythology, whose domain was supposed to be “farts” and toilets. Its authenticity is questionable because the only mentions of it are in Christian texts, which may have been an attempt to ridicule pagan ... Read more
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