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.

Capitol – last point of defense

The Capitoline Hill was the only part of the city of Rome that resisted the invasion of the Gauls from the Po valley in 390 BCE. The Gauls decided to conquer the hill at night.…Więcej

About marital fidelity

There are many examples of marital fidelity in ancient Rome. Often, when one of the parties died, the other often took her own life in a gesture of despair. Plutarch and Pliny provide an anecdote…Więcej

Roman mosaic depicting god Sol

Roman mosaic depicting the god Sol on a chariot, surrounded by the signs of the zodiac. Sol was the sun god; identified with the Greek Helios. The object is dated to the middle of the…Więcej

Clodius, iustitium and earthquake

In 58 BCE Publius Clodius, using his powers of the people’s tribune, ordered the stalls to be closed and trade within Rome to be stopped. It was the first step towards the introduction in Rome…Więcej

Roman fresco showing Amor and Psyche

Roman fresco depicting Amor (god of love) and Psyche in a loving embrace. The object adorned the House of Terentius Neo (Regio VII, 2, 6) in Pompeii. Currently, the artifact is in the National Archaeological…Więcej

Carved silhouette of Roman soldier

Carved silhouette of a Roman soldier on the tombstone. The object has survived to our times, as the stone was used for construction in London. The presented person is unknown to us by name.Więcej

How did ancient Romans eat their meals?

Ancient Romans consuming soup mainly used spoons made of bronze, animal bones or wood. Richer Romans used silver cutlery. The so-called ligula a small dessert spoon. There was another type, for example, coclear – a…Więcej

Roman relief showing cutlery shop

Roman relief from Ostia showing a cutlery shop. Interestingly, the ancient Romans mainly used spoons (furca) and hands in eating; forks and knives were used to cut, prepare and serve dishes. Object dated to the…Więcej

Counterfeit according to Roman law

Due to the growing administration and advanced law, ancient Rome finally had to deal with the issue of document forgery, and it was one of the most serious felonies. The Law of XII Tables contained…Więcej

Renovated temple dedicated to Mithra

The restored temple of Mithra can be visited in the Aquincum Archaeological Park in the Óbuda district of Budapest since 2018. The renovated building has been reopened on the day of Summer solstice and the…Więcej

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