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 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

Emperor Trajan’s silver denarius

Silver denarius Emperor Trajan from 107-108 CE, which was to celebrate the victorious Dacian wars. On the reverse, there is a trophy (the so-called tropaion) of victory in the form of a tree trunk decorated…Więcej

Wedding day in Roman world

The wedding day in the Roman world was chosen with great care. This was done to avoid any ordinary omens that might adversely affect future life. For example, June was considered a successful month until…Więcej

Decorated knife handles

Decorated Roman knife handles, made of ivory, depicting gladiators: Pardus and Senilis. Object found in Savaria (present-day Szombathely, western Hungary).Więcej

Huge ransom for Gauls

After defeating the Romans, led by consul Marcus Popilius Lenas, the Gauls captured and plundered Rome in July 387 or 386 BCE. Gauls agreed to leave the city subject to the payment of a huge…Więcej

Governors with wives

In 20 CE The Senate debated the proposal that provincial governors should not be allowed to take their wives with them to the provinces. Women were believed to be weak and prone to the hardships…Więcej

Ancient sculpture depicting hippopotamus

Ancient red marble sculpture depicting a hippopotamus. The object was probably found in the Sallust gardens in Rome and was part of a fountain; water was led from the left front leg to the mouth.…Więcej

Aemilia Tertia – exemplary Roman wife

Aemilia Tertia, wife of Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus and mother of Cornelia – who in turn was the mother of brothers Gracchi (great reformers) – was a woman extremely tolerant and moderate in behaviour, and…Więcej

Roman mosaic showing eight fish, two squid and eel

Roman mosaic showing eight fish, two squid and an eel. Object dated to the 1st BCE – 1st century CE; it is now in The British Museum. Found in a Roman villa in Cecchignola, Italy.Więcej

How it was written in ancient Rome?

Ancient Romans used ink, usually made of rubber and soot, to write on papyrus and parchment. They used red ink to better visualize the titles. The ancients also knew the “likeable” ink. Pliny the Elder…Więcej

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