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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.
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Roman road Via Traiana. Photo was taken in the ancient city of Egnatia, in the south-east of Italy. The road was created during the reign of Emperor Trajan in 109 CE and was intended to shorten the distance between Brindisi (Brundisium) and Benevento (Beneventum). Strabo reports that the new road made it possible to shorten the distance between the cities by a day.
The most important building for any civilization, culture or family is undoubtedly the house. Whether it is a snow refuge in the polar regions or tents in African deserts, the house always serves the same function for its users, and allows scientists to learn, at least to a small extent, the everyday life of peoples from the past.
Valerius Maximus, a Roman writer from the 1st century CE, tells us the stories of courageous and honourable Romans throughout history, on which successive generations should follow. Great examples are Publius Crassus and Scipio Metellus.
Roman ring made of purple glass. Object dated to the 2nd-3rd century CE.
Pliny the Elder in his work “Natural History” describes horses and their ability to cooperate with humans. It highlights their learning ability and obedience to people.
Roman silver denarius dating back to 44 BCE, which depicts Julius Caesar. The coin is one of the first to show a portrait of a living person.
