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.

Women poisoned their husbands

Titus Livius mentions that approximately 170 women of prominent families were convicted in 331 BCE for poisoning their husbands. Other sources mention even larger numbers.Więcej

Beautiful portrait of woman from 2nd century CE

Beautiful portrait of a woman from the 2nd century CE from Roman Egypt. The painting was made on wood and placed on an Egyptian mummy. The so-called Fayum portraits (from the oasis of Fayoum in…Więcej

Stone used in construction of Roman fort in Scotland

Stone used in the construction of the Roman fort at Cramond in North West Scotland. There is an abbreviated inscription on the stone: “It was built by the 2nd legion of Augusta, from the century…Więcej

Roman crane

In ancient Rome, cranes were used for construction works. Roman crane (polyspastos) was manned by four men on either side of the machine. The crane was able to lift up to 3,000 kg. After upgrading…Więcej

Polar bears in ancient Rome?

According to the message of Titus Calpurnius Siculus, a Roman poet from the 3rd century CE, in ancient Rome, in the arenas of amphitheatres, bears were supposed to appear hunting for seals. The writer specifically…Więcej

Cybele – saving of Rome

The appearance in Roman mythology of Cybele is associated with defeats during the Second Punic War. In 205 BCE The Senate called on a college of priests to consult the Books of Sibyl about the…Więcej

Wedding of Pelops and Hippodamea on Roman mosaic

Beautiful Roman mosaic depicting a mythological scene – the wedding of Pelops and Hippodameia. Photos, the god of desire, shows the couple entering the bedroom, suggesting an act of love. The names were written in…Więcej

Roman salute in time of Romans

In ancient Rome, a Roman salute performed with the right hand (called dextera or dextra) meant trust, friendship and loyalty or simple greeting. The Roman salute used in recent history (especially among national movements), according…Więcej

Relief on Roman sarcophagus of argentarius

Relief on a Roman sarcophagus of argentarius at the counter. The object is located in the Palazzo Massimo – Museo Nazionale Romano in Rome. Argentarius was a combination of auctioneer, broker and lender. Not only…Więcej

Roman doctors knew anesthetics

Roman doctors knew anesthetics. Especially recommended herbs were: henbane and opium poppy. Nevertheless, the most important thing was to perform the operation as soon as possible, not to relieve the patient’s pain. The surgeon also…Więcej

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