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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.
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A piece of a Roman amphora that was found in Colchester (England). There is a painted inscription “FAL LOLL” on the pottery, which suggests that the amphora was used to store Falernia wine, one of the most exclusive wines produced in Italy. The inscription also suggests that a man named Lollius was responsible for the wine trade, who transported the wine to Roman Britain.
Roman portrait of a man on a mummy from Egypt. Object dated to the 1st century CE and is currently in the Ipswich Museum (England). The painting belongs to the so-called groups of Fayum portraits.
Statue of Ulpia Marciana – the older sister of Emperor Trajan – who has a characteristic diadem-shaped hairstyle.
With the addition of Egypt to the Roman Empire in 30 BCE, Augustus saw a number of problems related to the new province. Regular invasions by the Kushites began from the south, and Arab pirates lurked from the side of the Red Sea. In addition, due to the commercial dominance of the Himyarites and Sabaians in the Bab el Manbed strait, the Romans had a difficult opportunity to cruise on this important route to India.
Roman bronze bust showing a certain Caius Norbanus Sorex – a Roman actor. The object is dated to 25 BCE – 14 CE.
Roman figurine depicting a secutor gladiator who was well-armed and usually fought against a retiarius. The object is made of bronze and dates back to the 4th century CE.
Reconstruction of the famous sculpture of Octavian Augustus of Prima Porta by History in 3D. The color residues on the object were visible to the naked eye shortly after its discovery. However, thanks to the preserved pigments in marble and historical sources, it was possible to recreate the color of the sculpture.
