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.

Gladiator games under Trajan – thousands of warriors in arena

During the reign of Emperor Trajan (98-117 CE), gladiatorial games reached a massive scale. One of the most spectacular events was the games held in 113 CE, during which 2,000 gladiators fought in the arena…Więcej

Roman bronze medallion with Perseus and Andromeda discovered in India

A small bronze disk depicting Perseus freeing Andromeda is an interesting example of a Roman artifact found outside the Roman Empire. The artifact dates to the 1st century CE and was discovered during archaeological excavations…Więcej

One last moment without a guard: A Germanic captive in a Roman latrine

A Roman spectacle began long before the first roar of the crowd, before the arena gates opened, before the animals, gladiators, and condemned prisoners were brought into view. It began behind the scenes, in corridors,…Więcej

Laurel on Arlia: How “Dragon Ball Z” combined Roman munera with damnation ad bestias

In pop culture, Rome is often recognized more quickly by its gesture than its name: the ruler sits above the arena, a red robe flowing from his shoulder, a laurel appears above his head, and…Więcej

Military law (ius in bello) of republican period

In Republican Rome, there were no legal acts regulating conduct during warfare. However, in ancient times, warring states applied generally accepted customary law in this matter. There were no standards (as there are today) regulating,…Więcej

Ceremonial chariot was discovered during excavations of Roman villa just outside walls of ancient Pompeii.

Ceremonial chariot was discovered during excavations of a Roman villa just outside the walls of ancient Pompeii. The four-wheeled vehicle, made of wood and iron, with bronze and tin decorations, was preserved almost perfectly when…Więcej

Roman lead seals as trace of everyday administration

Rome is associated with legions, aqueducts, and great emperors, but the empire’s efficiency is equally revealed by small objects: seals, plaques, and stamps. Lead bullae, used to secure shipments and goods, were a small, practical…Więcej

Marble sculpture of woman’s head

During archaeological excavations in ancient Corinth, a marble sculpture depicting a woman’s head was discovered. The monument dates back to the 2nd century CE, a period when the city was one of the most important…Więcej

Scientists recreate face of Vesuvius’ victim

After nearly two thousand years, scientists have used artificial intelligence for the first time to recreate the appearance of one of the Pompeii residents who died during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE.…Więcej

Unusual Roman skeleton from Castel Malnome

Archaeologists exploring the necropolis of Castel Malnome, near Ostia, have discovered the remains of a man that shed new light on the attitudes of the inhabitants of the Roman Empire towards people with severe disabilities.…Więcej

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