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.

Purple color – reserved for emperor and senators

The colour purple was reserved only for the emperor and senators, and any flaunting it was a betrayal. This dye was obtained from spike venom (Murex). It was the so-called “Tyrian purple” and was the…Więcej

Interesting ancient vessel, the so-called guttus

The ancient vessel, the so-called guttus – made of black ceramics – in the shape of a black man’s head. The building dates back to the 3rd century BCE; currently on display at the Parco…Więcej

Rome in 14 CE had over 750,000 inhabitants

The capital of the Roman Empire in 14 CE had over 750,000 inhabitants, which constituted a tenth of the entire population of Italy. The population of Rome grew to over a million by the end…Więcej

Roman teaching system was based on education of Greeks

The Roman teaching system was largely based on the education of the Greeks. Hence, the teachers of Roman children were most often Greek slaves or freedmen. An example of a Greek who achieved much in…Więcej

Event that heralds end of Antony

Mark Antony was an outstanding Roman commander and a faithful supporter of Gaius Julius Caesar. After his death, he led the “Caesarians”, defeated in the Battle of Philippi Cassius and Brutus to finally bond with…Więcej

Octavian’s coin with inscription AEGVPTO CAPTA

Silver denarius of Octavian, a kind of proof of Rome’s victory over Cleopatra and the annexation of Egypt to the Empire in 30 BCE. The coin was probably minted in 29 BCE as part of…Więcej

Etruscan head sculpture of young man

An Etruscan head sculpture of a young man. The object was made of bronze and was found on an island in Lake Bolsena (central Italy). It is possible that the object was offered as a…Więcej

Hair coloring was popular among Roman women

Hair dyeing was extremely popular among Roman women. The most famous colours were red, black and blonde. The latter was popular thanks to the Germans and Gauls with whom the Romans began to come into…Więcej

Couple having sex on boat while sailing Nile

Roman marble relief depicting a couple having sex on a boat while sailing the Nile. A steersman in a pointy hat is standing nearby, and a hippo’s rump is visible in front of the boat.…Więcej

Romans pioneered sewage system

Romans were pioneers with the sewage system. They were the first to use underground water to discharge waste. The first sewerage system in Rome is believed to have been built between 800 and 735 BCE.…Więcej

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