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.

Bust of Augustus with corona civica

Roman marble bust of Octavian August, depicting the emperor with the corona civica – on his head awarded to August by the Senate in exchange for appreciating him merit for ending the civil war. The…Więcej

Reconstruction of image of Didius Julianus

Reconstruction of the image of Didius Julianus, the emperor who ruled Rome for three months in 193 CE at the age of 60. At the end of 192 CE, Emperor Commodus died, and in March…Więcej

Gladius of son of Roman militaryman

Gladius of a son of some Roman militaryman. Object dated to the 2nd-3rd century CE. A sword made of bronze and iron.Więcej

Beautiful Roman mosaic from France

Beautiful Roman mosaic from the 4th century CE that decorated the floor in one of the chambers of a Gallo-Roman villa, in Séviac in southern France. The mosaic was restored a few years ago.Więcej

Roman statue of hermaphrodite

Roman statue showing a hermaphrodite feeding a bird. The sculpture transforms into a pillar. Object dated to the 2nd century CE.Więcej

Dog from Volubilis

Roman sculpture from Volubilis (present northern Morocco) showing a dog. The object was found in 1916 and dates back to the beginning of the 2nd century CE. Currently, the artifact is in the Archaeological Museum…Więcej

Roman marble head of Amazon

Roman marble head of the Amazon. The object was found at the Villa of the Papyri in Herculaneum. It is one of many other artifacts found in this once luxurious villa. The very name of…Więcej

Reconstruction of Roman villa in Chedworth

Reconstruction of a Roman villa in Chedworth (south-west England), which was built at the beginning of the 2nd century CE. The preserved remains of the villa prove that it was one of the largest objects…Więcej

Portrait of Roman woman on mosaic

Roman mosaic from Pompeii showing a portrait of a woman in great detail. The object is located in the British Museum.Więcej

Doctors did not have best opinion in ancient Rome

In ancient times, the Romans originally did not have great respect for doctors. Their knowledge and possible remedies came from rural life. Treated with simple home remedies. Cato the Elder writes that the father of…Więcej

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