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.

Neptune and Cupid on Roman denarius

Roman denarius showing the god of the seas Neptune on the obverse and Cupid riding a dolphin on the reverse.Więcej

Cumin in ancient times

Ancient Rome used a range of overseas spices such as black pepper, long pepper, ginger, cardamom and cinnamon. However, the most frequently used raw materials, both in cooking and in medicine, that were grown locally…Więcej

Where is tomb of Caesar?

When visiting the Forum Romanum, many people notice flowers placed in the niche of the wall of Caesar’s temple in memory of his memory. This is where Caesar was to be cremated, which is why…Więcej

Sextus Iulius Frontinus – soldier and governor

Sextus Iulius Frontinus was a Roman soldier, politician (praetor, consul), governor of Britain in 74-78 CE, curator of aqueducts (curator aquarum) in Rome and writer. He lived in the years around 35-103 CE. His name…Więcej

Summa rudis – referee of gladiatorial fights

In the arena between the gladiatorial fighters there was a referee (summa rudis) who supervised the fight and could stop it if any of the gladiators were seriously injured or used illegal “plays”, to encourage…Więcej

Feast of Pollio and Augustus’ intercession

Publius Vedius Pollio was a Roman equestrian and friend of the first emperor, Octavian Augustus. His father was a freedman; Pollio made a huge fortune by managing the province of Asia on behalf of emperor;…Więcej

Mosaic showing feeding she-wolf

Roman mosaic flooring showing the she-wolf feeding Romulus and Remus. The object comes from the Domus della Fortuna Annonaria in Ostia.Więcej

Roman gold relief necklace

Roman gold relief necklace. The object is made of emerald glass and chalcedony. Object dated to the 2nd-4th century CE.Więcej

Umbo from Roman shield

An umbo that was attached to the shield of a Roman legionary who belonged to the legion VIII Augusta. The object dates back to the early 2nd century CE; it was found in the River…Więcej

Quintus Fulvius Flaccus – censor who gone mad

Quintus Fulvius Flaccus was the son of a four-time consul of the same name. In 182 BCE he became a praetor in Spain, where he won a series of victories over the Celtoiber people. In…Więcej

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