Curiosities of ancient Rome
The world of ancient Romans abounded in a number of amazing curiosities and information. The source of knowledge about the life of the Romans are mainly works left to us by ancient writers or discoveries. The Romans left behind a lot of strange information and facts that are sometimes hard to believe.
Ancient stele of Seikilos and oldest surviving musical composition in world
Ancient stele funded by Seikilos, discovered at Aydın, near Ephesus, in the west of Turkey. The object is an extremely unique find, as it has the oldest musical composition in the world. The artifact is dated between 2nd BCE and 2nd century CE.
Pompeian fresco depicting fish
Pompeian fresco depicting fish. The painting is in the House of a certain P. Cornelius Tages (Reg I, Ins 7, 10-12).
Battle of Aquae Sextiae – great victory of Romans
Battle of Aquae Sextiae (southern France) in 102 BCE was one of the greatest and most important victories of the Roman legions. Rome had to defend itself against the invasion of two Germanic tribes: Teutons and Cimbri, who at Arausio in Gaul in 105 BCE. they caused the Romans a great defeat. According to Titus Livius, about 80,000 Romans were to die during this battle. It was one of the greatest defeats of the Roman army in history.
Old women in Rome
Roman writers and the upper Roman classes in general, despite their privileged position, were afraid to go too far in criticizing women, as it could cost them a lot (women were treated with some respect, nevertheless, especially as long as they were able to bear children). Old women were an exception because of their social and moral consent. As the position of women grew, there were these old women portrayed as mischievous wags and witches.