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.

“Asiatic Vespers” – ancient genocide

As Italy’s last points of resistance were dying out in the war against allies, and Rome was calming down after the recent civil war, the king of Pontus, Mithridates VI Eupator, thrust a knife into…Więcej

Preserved fragments of decorated pool bottom

Preserved fragments of the decorated pool bottom in a Roman villa in Fuengirola (southern Spain). Beautifully preserved details that imitate a mosaic show marine scenes, including nereids and tritons. Objects dated to the 1st-2nd century…Więcej

Roman baths in Marsala

In the northwest of the Lilybaeum Archaeological Park, there are remains of the Roman baths from the 3rd-2nd century BCE. Archaeologists also found traces of an older defensive structure on which baths were built. Currently,…Więcej

Temple of Concordia in Agrigento

The Temple of Concordia owes its name to the Latin inscription that was preserved in the vicinity of the building and proclaimed “the harmony of the inhabitants of Agrigentum”. The columns of the temple were…Więcej

Roman mosaic from Villa Romana del Casale

Roman mosaic floor tiles from the famous Roman villa – Villa Romana del Casale in Sicily. The multitude of details and the variety of colors (green, yellow, red, white) confirm how amazing works of art…Więcej

Roman treasure from Ostróda

The museum in Ostróda has a treasure of Roman coins from the 1st-2nd century CE. Found during excavations in a nearby settlement. It was probably a “gift” of Rome to the tribes in return for…Więcej

Bust of Roman woman with fashionable hairstyle during rule of Flavian dynasty

Roman bust of a Roman woman with a hairstyle fashionable during the rule of the Flavian dynasty (69-96 CE). Part of the hair was combed forward and then built into curls; the back part was…Więcej

Temple of Juno Lacinia in Agrigento

Ancient temple, which was mistakenly attributed to Juno (hence the name Temple of Juno Latina – Juno Lacinia), due to the preserved Latin inscription. The building was built on a natural platform and dates back…Więcej

Scenes of hunting in Roman mosaic

Roman mosaic floor that adorns one of the rooms in the famous villa – Villa Romana del Casale in Sicily. A fragment of a large mosaic shows hunting scenes and nature. Artist incl. showed plants…Więcej

Roman mosaic showing scene of elephant being brought aboard ship

Roman mosaic depicting the scene of an elephant being brought aboard a ship. According to researchers, the scene could take place in Egypt, near the port of Alexandria, from where numerous exotic animals were transported…Więcej

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