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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.
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When in 390 BCE the Gauls invaded and conquered Rome, the priests of Quirinus and the priestesses of Vesta decided to leave the city and save the holy artefacts of the Romans from the barbarians. The vestals were to go with their full weight across the Tiber, towards the Janiculum Hill.
Roman drinking vessel made of one piece of rock crystal – quartz. Object dated to the 1st century CE.
Sexual services were normally paid between 2 and 10 asses. Occasionally, special coins (spintria) were issued which, according to scientists, were in the form of our present-day tokens. They gave entry and the possibility of using the services. More coins of this type.
Roman portrait of Emperor Tiberius with a toga covering his head. The object was found in Gortyna, Crete; it is currently on display at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. The sculpture is dated to the 1st century CE.
Marble portrait of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. The object was found in Gortyna, Crete; it is currently on display at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
A preserved marble portrait of Emperor Caracalla, which dates back to the beginning of the 2nd century CE. The object was found in Gortyn, Crete; it is currently on display at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
The second king of Rome Numa Pompilius was known for his wisdom, piety and peaceful attitude. According to tradition, he initiated the state cult of gods in Rome, created the so-called Capitoline Triad assigning priests for Jupiter (flamen dialis), Mars (flamen Martialis) and Quirinus (flamen Quirinalis).
After the expulsion of the last king of Rome in 509 BCE the Romans created the Law of the XII Tables (450 BCE) – a collection of Roman laws that lasted 800 years until the end of the Western Roman Empire.
