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.

First, second and third Rome

It is very difficult to overestimate the influence of the Roman Empire on the history of the world. In addition to architecture, language, alphabet, art, various technologies, a certain political model, ideology, is very important,…Więcej

Raven adored by Romans

Pliny the Elder in his work “Natural History” tells us an interesting story about a raven that was held in high esteem by the Romans. The bird lived during the reign of Emperor Tiberius; as…Więcej

Fish at Octavian’s feet

Pliny the Elder tells us in his work “Natural History” an interesting story that was to herald Octavian’s victory in the war against Sextus Pompey, son of the great leader Pompey the Great. After Julius…Więcej

Dolphin – friend of Roman boy

Pliny the Elder in his work “Natural History” tells many amazing stories about the friendship of animals and people. In book IX we can read, among others about the fact that the dolphin is a…Więcej

Roman horseman tombstone

Roman tombstone of a horseman named Insus. It is located in the Lancaster Museum in England. The man belonged to the ala August unit. He is shown on the tombstone in a triumphant scene above…Więcej

Ancient contract confirming granting of loan

An ancient agreement confirming the granting of a loan, from Roman Egypt, and dated May 16, 123 CE. A certain Sokration of Syene (present-day Aswan in southern Egypt) borrowed 109 drachmas to Marcus Annius Balbinus…Więcej

Dispute over golden statue of goddess Victoria in Senate

With the announcement of the Edict of Milan in 313 CE, the voice and opinion of Christians on many issues became louder and louder in Rome’s socio-political life. A great example of rivalry between the…Więcej

Roman mosaic showing ostriches being loaded onto ship

Roman mosaic showing ostriches being loaded onto a ship. Once captured, the wild animals were kept in large cages to keep them calm and to prevent them from being hurt. The transport of animals to…Więcej

Roman helmet from Guisborough

In August 1864, a unique Roman helmet was discovered in a field at Barnaby Grange near Guisborough in the west-central part of England. The find was originally thought to be of Anglo-Saxon or Celtic origin.…Więcej

Roman mosaic showing transport of animals to games

A detail of a large mosaic floor in the Roman luxury estate Villa Romana del Casale in Sicily. The fragment shows the scene of transporting animals to the Games and proves how complicated the operation…Więcej

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