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.

Marble portrait of Roman emperor Octavian Augustus

Marble portrait of the Roman Emperor Octavian Augustus, which was part of a larger statue. The object is dated to the 1st century CE; it is currently on display at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.Więcej

Caere – city that accepted Vestals

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.…Więcej

Roman vessel from crystal

Roman drinking vessel made of one piece of rock crystal – quartz. Object dated to the 1st century CE.Więcej

Roman tokens in exchange for sexual favors

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…Więcej

Roman portrait of Emperor Tiberius

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…Więcej

Portrait of Marcus Aurelius from Crete

Marble portrait of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. The object was found in Gortyna, Crete; it is currently on display at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.Więcej

Roman bust of god Bacchus

Roman bust of the god Bacchus with a wreath of ivy and grapes on his forehead. Object dated to the 2nd century CE; found in Plora, Crete. The sculpture is in the Archaeological Museum of…Więcej

Preserved marble portrait of Emperor Caracalla

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.…Więcej

Numa Pompilius known for his wisdom

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…Więcej

Law of XII Tables was in force until end of Empire

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…Więcej

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