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.

Alectriomancy – fortune-telling with chickens

Romans, as a nation famous for their godly fear already in ancient times, tried to run the state as often as possible in accordance with the will of the gods read through the signs of…Więcej

Roman globe in Vatican

The preserved globe-shaped sculpture that crowned the obelisk is now in the Capitoline Museum in Rome. There are traces of gilding; the object is dated to the 1st century CE. Interestingly, in the Middle Ages…Więcej

Bust of Julia Maesa

Bust of Julia Maesa, sister Julia Domna (wife of Emperor Septimius Severus) and grandmother of Elagabalus and Alexander Severus. After the fall of Caracalla in 218 CE she led her daughter Julia Bassiana to the…Więcej

Mythical sea creatures on Roman mosaic

A beautiful mosaic floor showing mythical sea creatures and characters from Greek mythology; the work adorned the frigidarium in the baths of the Roman luxury estate Villa Romana del Casale in Sicily. In the centre…Więcej

Roman military diploma

A military diploma is the modern name of Roman documents confirming the release from the army and the granting of Roman citizenship to a veteran of auxiliary units by the emperor. It existed as a…Więcej

Fossa Neronis – channel of Nero between Puteoli and Rome

During the reign of Nero (54-68 CE), a plan appeared to dig a 257 km long water canal from Lake Avernus, near Puteoli (Pozzuoli), to the vicinity of Rome. The idea was to secure grain…Więcej

Roman Arch in Pula

In Pula (Croatia) there is a well-preserved Roman triumphal arch, which honoured the Sergia family, and especially Lucius Sergius Lepidus – a military tribune in the XXIX Legion who took part in the battle of…Więcej

Wild animals and nature on Roman fresco

Beautiful restored Roman fresco showing wildlife and nature in the Nile Delta. The painting adorned a garden wall at Casa dei Ceii in Pompeii.Więcej

Domitianus – forgotten emperor

In 1900 a groundbreaking discovery was made near the French town of Nantes. A certain Felix Chaillou found there over a thousand Roman coins from the second half of the third century. However, one unique…Więcej

Imaginifer – emperor’s standard-bearer

Octavian Augustus after taking power introduced many propaganda solutions that were to tie the people to the new ruler. He adopted republican titles, erected many monuments showing the divine grace resting upon him, and built…Więcej

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