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.

Ancient column being part of Achilleus’ tomb

An ancient column that is part of a tomb from the 3rd century BCE. On the stone is the inscription “Achilleus, son of Prothymus, be happy even in the underworld”. The part of the preserved…Więcej

Left-handed Roman was unlucky

Left-handed Romans were considered unlucky and untrustworthy. In Roman culture, left-handedness was associated with bad luck, impurity, or betrayal — the word sinister in Latin meant “left,” but over time it took on the meaning…Więcej

Unusual Roman mosaic showing plan of building

An unusual Roman mosaic showing the plan of the building (or rather its fragments in two pieces), probably public or private baths. The mosaic probably dates from the middle of the 3rd century CE. The…Więcej

Roman fresco depicting Jason

Roman fresco depicting Jason entering the city of Iolkos in Greece, where he will start his quest for the golden fleece with the Argonauts. The object is located in Casa degli Amorini Dorati in Pompeii.…Więcej

Emperor Elagabalus was wife

One of the disgusting ideas of Emperor Elagabalus was to marry a Greek slave, Hierocles. Officially, their relationship did not have legal force, because the ancient Romans did not envisage the institution of homosexual marriage.…Więcej

Trepanation – solution to headaches

In ancient Rome, trepanation was seen as the best method to get rid of severe headaches and madness. It was believed that the hole in the head allowed the evil spirit to leave the wretched…Więcej

Roman fresco depicting Hercules, Deianeira and centaur Nessos

Remarkable Roman fresco depicting Hercules, Deianeira and the centaur Nessos. The painting was discovered this year in the so-called House of Centaur (VI.9.5) in Pompeii. The presented scene shows the moment when the traveling Hercules…Więcej

Long Roman roads

By the end of the 2nd century CE (for over 5 centuries), Roman engineers built about 48,500 Roman miles (71,700 km) paved roads. Less than 100 years later, the inventory of Emperor Diocletian showed the…Więcej

Consultation with witch on Roman mosaic

Roman mosaic showing a comedy scene in which a consultation with a witch takes place. Item found at Cicero’s House in Pompeii. It is now housed in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.Więcej

Contemporary reconstruction of trireme

In the years 1985-1987 the ancient trireme (“three oars”) called “Olympias”, used by the Greeks, was recreated on a 1: 1 scale. These types of ships were naturally also used by other ancient armies, such…Więcej

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