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.

Reconstruction of Roman bakery in Pompeii

The reconstruction shows a Roman bakery in Pompeii. The authors of the illustrations in the middle of the graphic show a slave driving a mill (pistrium) for grinding grain. We know that, however, the power…Więcej

Triclinium in villa Regina

The Roman dining room (the so-called “G” room), referred to in ancient Rome as triclinium. The richly decorated room is located in Villa Regina in the Boscoreale region (Italy), near Pompeii. The region once housed…Więcej

Restored Roman sarcophagus in Belgrade

A restored Roman sarcophagus in ancient Taurunum (present Belgrade, in northern Serbia). The object is dated to the 2nd-4th century CE. The sarcophagus is located in a public park in the part of the Serbian…Więcej

Dental bridges in ancient world

Archaeological excavations carried out in the Lebanese Sidon indicate that the Phoenicians used prosthetic solutions in the form of dental bridges. Also, finds in Tuscany illustrate that implants made of gold and natural teeth were…Więcej

Roman mosaic showing Cupid

Roman mosaic showing Cupid during a hunt. Cupid is armed with a shield. The building dates from the 4th century CE; the artifact was found at the Villa Theseus in Paphos (Cyprus).Więcej

Roman mosaic showing Greek poet Alcman

Roman floor mosaic, found in the ruins of Jerash (Jordan), depicting the ancient Greek poet Alcman. The object is dated to the 3rd century CE; adorned the dining room.Więcej

Roman marble bust of Roman woman from upper layers

Roman marble bust of a Roman woman from the upper layers. The object is dated to the 2nd century CE. It is currently on the rearranged exhibition of the Ancient Art Gallery at the National…Więcej

Roman portable sundial

Roman portable sundial. The artifact is in a bronze box with a medallion on the lid depicting Emperor Antoninus Pius (ruled from 138-161 CE). Inside the box are 4 dials with diagrams – front and…Więcej

Roman decorative clothes pin

Roman clothes pin in the shape of a female bust. The object is made of a single piece of sapphire with a golden base. The ornament is dated to 100-130 CE.Więcej

What did word “brutus” mean?

The word “brutus” literally means “dumb”. It came from Lucius Junius Brutus – known as the freedman of Rome, the first consul who expelled Tarquinius Superbus (the last Roman king). He was pretended to be…Więcej

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