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.

Reconstruction of Roman fortress at El-Lajjun

Reconstruction of the appearance of the Roman fortress in El-Lajjun (Jordan), which was created after the suppression of the Jewish Bar Kochba uprising in 135 CE. The camp occupied an area of approximately 12 acres;…Więcej

Fresco showing street vendor offering drink

Roman fresco depicting a street vendor offering a drink. The object was found in the House of the Dioscuri in Pompeii. Currently, the artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.Więcej

Loan for consumption in Roman law

Real contracts were the oldest type of contracts in the Roman law. Eventually there were several types of contracts in this category: loan for consumption (mutuum), deposit (depositum), loan for use (commodatum) and pledge (pignus).…Więcej

Roman mosaic showing triumphant coachman

Roman mosaic showing the triumphant charioteer Polydus on his chariot. The object was found in Trier (western Germany) and dates back to the 3rd century CE.Więcej

Roman mosaic with women in bikinis

Extremely interesting mosaic floor from Villa Romana del Casale – a luxury villa in Sicily. The work shows women in bikinis practising sports (weightlifting, discus throwing, running and playing ball). On the left, one of…Więcej

Beautiful Roman marble floor

Beautiful Roman marble floor done in opus sectile style. The object adorned the imperial palace on the Palatine. The artifact was found in the middle of the 20th century.Więcej

Roman vessel with protruding bust of man

Roman vessel made of silver with a bust of a man protruding in the center. The object is currently located in the Louvre, and dates back to the 1st century CE.Więcej

“In this sign thou shalt conquer”

According to the message of Eusebius of Caesarea before the Battle of the Mulvian Bridge (October 28, 312 CE) Constantine the Great he had a vision that allowed him to win. Around noon he was…Więcej

Roman vase from Colchester

Roman vase from Colchester (England) showing the fight of gladiators in the arena. The object was found in a grave in 1848. Above the figures of four gladiators and their names: Secundus, Mario, Memnon and…Więcej

Roman mosaic showing venatores

Roman mosaic showing venatores – warriors who hunted wild animals in the arena. The object is dated from the 3rd-4th century CE; found in the remains of the imperial palace in Gamzigrad – Felix Romuliana…Więcej

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