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.

Roman vessel from golden glass

Roman golden glass vessel with a hunting scene. Object dated to the 3rd century CE and is housed in the Cleveland Art Museum in the USA.Więcej

Fayum portrait of girl

Fayum portrait of a girl adorned with jewelry: a necklace, earrings and a pendant on her head. Object dated to the 2nd century CE; found in the Havara necropolis, on Fayum oasis in northern Egypt.Więcej

Villa Romana di Patti in Sicily

Roman villa called Villa Romana di Patti is located on the north coast of Sicily. The vast remains of the building that have survived prove that it was a luxurious villa with a latifundium. The…Więcej

Sculpture of Roman general

Sculpture of a Roman general from the 2nd century CE, made of white marble. The figure depicted was holding in his left hand a shield decorated with the image of a Gorgon / Medusa. The…Więcej

Roman villa in south of Sicily

In the south of Sicily, near the city of Agrigento, on the waterfront are the remains of a Roman villa from the 1st century CE. The property was discovered in 1907. The building consisted of…Więcej

Ear of Dionysius

In the Archaeological Park of the Neapolis in Syracuse there is the so-called “Ear of Dionysius”, which was part of an ancient quarry. The 23-meter-high entrance to the cave is shaped like a human ear.…Więcej

Roman sarcophagus of 10-year-old girl

Roman sarcophagus where a 10-year-old girl is buried with her musical instruments. The object was found in Nijmegen (The Netherlands) and it is situated in the Valkhof Museum.Więcej

What was Marcus Tullius Cicero really like?

Marcus Tullius Cicero is considered a great politician, thinker, philosopher, lawyer, and above all a speaker and defender. His main occupation was defence and prosecution before Roman courts. Without even realizing it, many repeat his…Więcej

Quintessence of apotheosis of Roman emperors – most significant visualization of power of Roman Empire right next to triumph

Paul Zanker in his book “Apoteoza cesarzy rzymskich. Rytuał i przestrzeń miejska” accurately describes the ritual of apotheosis, also known as consecratio. At the same time, he comes to interesting general conclusions, comparing the apotheosis…Więcej

Roman amphitheater in Catania

Roman amphitheatre in Catania (Sicily) was one of the largest of its kind in the Roman Empire. The building could accommodate up to 15,000 spectators, with a 32-step audience (cavea). The amphitheatre probably dates back…Więcej

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