Curiosities of ancient Rome
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Noctes Atticae – treasure trove of knowledge from ancient world
Noctes Atticae (“Attic Nights”) is a work written by Aulus Gellius (c. 125 – after 180 CE) in the 2nd century CE during his stay in Athens. It is a list of fascinating information about the ancient world that he ... Read more
Lucius Aemilius Paullus Macedonicus – strict strategist who subjugated Macedonia
Lucius Aemilius Paullus Macedonicus (ca. 228 – 160 BCE), an outstanding Roman commander and consul, made history thanks to his victory over Macedon at the Battle of Pydna in 168 BCE. He ended the Third Macedonian War and suppressed the ... Read more
Suicide of Cato the Younger
Suicide of Cato the Younger (95 – 46 BCE), a staunch opponent of Julius Caesar and a representative of the optimate party (Roman aristocracy), was an attempt to maintain honor in the face of defeat in the war with Caesar. ... Read more
Roman ‘bird’s nest’ hairstyle
In ancient Rome, bird’s nest hairstyles were especially popular during the reign of the Flavian dynasty (69-96 CE) and the late empire. Roman women, especially those from the aristocracy, experimented with their hair, creating impressive structures with numerous weaves and ... Read more
Medicamina Faciei Femineae – cosmetics in ancient times according to Ovid
Medicamina Faciei Femineae, or “Cosmetics for the Female Face”, is a fascinating treatise written by Ovid, one of the most famous poets of ancient Rome. This is a work that reflects the ancient approach to female beauty. It is a ... Read more
How did you find yourself on streets of ancient Rome?
Nowadays, street names and house numbers are used to identify a place of residence. It is a simple and effective system, but the ancient Romans did not use it. In small towns, finding a given house by a stranger might ... Read more
Columella – Roman author on agriculture
Columella, or Lucius Junius Moderatus Columella, was a Roman agronomic writer who lived in the 1st century CE and is one of the most important authors of ancient texts on agriculture. His work De re rustica (On Agriculture), consisting of ... Read more
Diades of Pella – genius designer of war machines of Alexander the Great
Diades of Pella was an ancient military engineer and one of Alexander the Great’s closest advisors, considered a true innovator in the field of war machines. While many aspects of his life remain a mystery, his contribution to the art ... Read more
Were there crucifixions of Christians in Colosseum?
Colosseum, a monumental amphitheater in the center of ancient Rome, is not only a symbol of the power of the empire, but also a place shrouded in the legend of Christian suffering. The common idea of crucifixions taking place there ... Read more
Publicans – Roman tenants of public revenues
Publicans (publicani) in ancient Rome were entrepreneurs who administered taxes and participated in lucrative contracts to supply food and equipment to the legions and carried out large construction projects. The Publicani came from the equites – a wealthy class of ... Read more
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