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.

Roman fresco of young woman from Serbia

Roman fresco of a young woman from Serbia that dates back to the 4th century CE. The object comes from a pagan grave that was discovered in eastern Serbia – the city of Kostolac (ancient…Więcej

Model of Porta Nigra

Model of Porta Nigra (“Black Gate”) and Roman fortifications with a photo of the preserved gate. The monument is located in Trier (Roman Augusta Trevorum) in West Germany. It is estimated that the gate was…Więcej

Wonderful Roman ring

A wonderful Roman ring made of gold, amethyst and emerald. Object dated to the 3rd-4th century CE.Więcej

Made of ivory Roman foot in sandal

Made of ivory Roman foot in sandal. Object dated to the late 1st century BCE or early 1st CE.Więcej

Head of hero Hercules of Tivoli

Head from the Roman statue of the hero Hercules. The object is dated to the 2nd century CE and comes from the villa of Emperor Hadrian in Tivoli (Italy).Więcej

Roman “magic” amulet

Roman “magic” amulet, made of stone – yarrow. Object dated to the 2nd-3rd century CE. The artifact has an oval shape. The obverse shows the Egyptian-Greek deity of Harpocrates crouched on a lotus flower, accompanied…Więcej

Galerius – tricky cabbage seller

In 294 CE king of Persia – Narseh, son of the great Shapur I, led a surprise invasion of the Roman Empire. Galerius in the office of Caesar, with the help of smaller forces, delayed…Więcej

Best preserved Roman oil lamp in Britain

The only such well-preserved Roman oil lamp that has ever been found in Great Britain. Dated on the 1st-3rd century CE. Located in the Ipswich Museum.Więcej

Socrates on Roman fresco

Socrates depicted in a Roman fresco. The painting is dated to the 2nd-1st century BCE and was discovered in Ephesus, in the remains of an atrium of one of the Roman domus. Currently, the object…Więcej

Beautiful Roman glass bottle

Roman glass bottle, dating from the 1st century CE.Więcej

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