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.

Via Traiana – Roman road in Egnatia

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…Więcej

Roman footprint

Roman footprint on a clay roof tile, dated 160-180 CE. The object was discovered at the Vindolanda camp (England). The size of the foot suggests that it may have belonged to a teenage soldier. At…Więcej

Fresco depicting dancing Satire

Fresco depicting dancing Satire. The object comes from the Villa of the Mysteries in Pompeii.Więcej

BT KN’NYM – Punic house

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…Więcej

Examples of honorable Romans

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.…Więcej

Unique Roman ring

Roman ring made of purple glass. Object dated to the 2nd-3rd century CE.Więcej

In antiquity, skills of horses were greatly appreciated

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. Horses make their riders understand that they understand their…Więcej

Heroic capture of Carthaginian camp near Beneventum

Valerius Maximus, a Roman author from the 1st century CE, in his work about famous deeds and sayings mentions, among others, the story of the heroic conquest of the Carthaginian camp near Beneventum in 212…Więcej

Roman silver denarius depicting Caesar

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.Więcej

Cataloghi regionari – buildings in Rome in 4th century CE

Cataloghi regionari, also called simply regionari, is a preserved document devoted to the development of Rome in the 4th century CE. Thanks to the document, we can find out how many and what kind of…Więcej

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