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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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Mercury – statue from 2nd century CE

Mercury – Roman statue from the 2nd century CE, made of bronze. The object is located in the museum at Colchester Castle (built on the foundations of the Claudius Temple). In Roman times the city was called Camulodunum or Colonia Claudia Victricensis.

Mercury - statue from 2nd century CE

Colossus from Capitol

In the Capitoline Museums we can admire the colossal marble sculpture depicting the Mars Avenger (Mars Ultor). However, this is not an ordinary image of Mars – according to some researchers, the god in this case has the features of Pyrrhus, the great leader and king of Epirus.

Colossus from Capitol

Dragon on ancient mosaic

An ancient mosaic depicting a dragon or a sea monster according to the Greek images. The mosaic dates back to the 4th century BCE and was found in Calabria, in the south of Italy. Currently, the object is housed in the Museo Archelogico di Monasterace in Calabria.

Dragon on ancient mosaic

What did gladiators eat?

Subsequent fights and constant effort required the gladiator’s body to receive the right amount of food with the right nutritional values. We know about what ancient gladiators ate thanks to discoveries from Turkey and ancient records.

Mosaic showing gladiators from Nimes

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