Roman tile with paw prints
Roman tile, with animal paw prints, from a military granary in Romania.
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Curiosities of ancient Rome
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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Roman marble bust of young man
Roman marble bust of a young man. Object dated to the 1st century CE. Located in the Vatican Museums.
Cassius Chaerea – Roman soldier with high voice
Cassius Chaerea was a Roman soldier serving in the Roman army during the fighting in Germania. However, we are best known from the accounts of Suetonius as the person who killed the emperor Caligula for personal reasons.
Charming bust of Roman girl Minatia Polla
Roman marble bust of a lovely 16-year-old girl named Minatia Polla. The object is dated around 40 CE. Located in the Baths of Diocletian, Rome.
Visualization of Golden House of Nero
Visualization of Golden House of Nero, the great palace of the emperor, which was built in the years 64-68 CE. Construction work was stopped after his death. The Golden House of Nero, also known as Domus Aurea, was located between the Palatine and Esquiline hills. It was in the “Golden House” that Nero spent his last day of life in 68 CE.
Wonderful Roman pendant
A wonderful Roman pendant made of glass and gold. The object is dated 2nd BCE – 1st century CE.
Romans next to Elbe
A very interesting story about the presence of the Romans on the Elbe was left to us by Velleius Paterculus, a Roman historian who lived during the reigns of Octavian Augustus and Tiberius. In 5 CE the Roman army led by the future emperor – Tiberius stood on the Elbe. What Paterculus tells us?
