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.

Small Roman sword from Vindolanda

A small wooden Roman sword found at the Vindolanda camp (North of England). The object probably was a toy for the child.Więcej

Roman cameo depicting Amor

Roman carved cameo (decorative stone), turquoise in color, with the bust of the winged Amor. Object dated to the 2nd-3rd century CE.Więcej

Medallion showing bearded Oceanus

Roman medallion, made of bronze, showing the bearded face of Oceanus (Oceanus). Object dated to the 1st-2nd century CE. The bulge on the medallion served as an ornament on one of the religious items. Oceanus,…Więcej

Roman glass

The glass was not an invention of the Romans. In many ancient lands, efforts were made to find light-transmitting material that could be used to cover window openings, previously covered with wooden blinds. Various materials…Więcej

Cameo showing Claudius and his wife in chariot

Roman cameo, made of sardonyx, depicting Emperor Claudius and his wife (probably Messalina) on a chariot drawn by snakes. It is located in the National Library of France in Paris.Więcej

Woman – sophist?

Sophists were concerned with making speeches that moved crowds, although they often concerned fictional situations or events from the past. It wasn’t necessarily what the rhetorian said, but how he says it. Speaking skills were…Więcej

Roman helmet of secutor

Roman helmet of a secutor – a kind of gladiator who usually fought against a retiarius. The object was found in the Ludus Gladiatorius barracks in Pompeii.Więcej

Marcus Porcius Cato Licinianus – son-soldier of Cato the Elder

Marcus Porcius Cato Licinianus was one of the sons of the famous Cato the Elder known as the Censor, who became famous for his ruthless attitude towards Carthage and an extremely strict approach to life.…Więcej

Tax exemption decree and Cleopatra VII’s signature?

Is there any document or work whose author was Cleopatra VII preserved to our times? According to later Arab sources, the last queen of Egypt, apart from her beauty, was also distinguished by intelligence and…Więcej

Fragment of Roman wall painting from amphitheater

Fragment of a Roman wall painting with a Latin inscription from the 3rd century CE. The object was found on the remains of an amphitheater in ancient Viminacium in eastern Serbia. The object has been…Więcej

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