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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.

Roman mosaic showing venatores

Roman mosaic showing venatores – warriors who hunted wild animals in the arena. The object is dated from the 3rd-4th century CE; found in the remains of the imperial palace in Gamzigrad – Felix Romuliana complex – near Zaječar, in eastern Serbia.

Roman mosaic showing venatores

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.

John Harris Valda, Battle of Aquae Sextiae

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.

The head of an elderly woman. A copy of a Greek sculpture from the 3rd-2nd century BCE

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