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.

What arts did ancient Romans like?

In the work “Daily Life in Ancient Rome” by Jérôme Carcopino, the author writes that the ancient Romans chose primarily dramas with macabre content, full of horror that made the viewer tremble. An example of…Więcej

Portus Adurni

Portus Adurni is the best-preserved Roman fort north of the Alps. It was established in the 3rd century CE and is situated in Portsmouth (England). The fort was part of the fortification system (the so-called…Więcej

Wonderful mosaic showing peacocks

Roman mosaic from a country house, dating from the 4th century CE, showing two peacocks, a basket of grapes and other animals. The object was found in Antioch, Turkey.Więcej

Beautiful silver fibula from Roman times

Beautiful silver fibula from Roman times. The object is dated to the 1st century CE and was found in Viminacium (present Serbian Kostolac). The item shows a scene from mythology – Hercules fighting with a…Więcej

Beautiful Roman glass objects

Beautiful Roman glass objects: a dish and a spoon. Dated to 75-125 CE. The objects are located in the Corning Museum of Glass (USA).Więcej

Roman golden ring with garnet

Roman golden ring with garnet. Object dated to the 3rd century CE.Więcej

Roman aqueduct in Zaghouan

Roman aqueduct in Zaghouan (Tunisia), built during the reign of Emperor Hadrian (117-138 CE) to supply water from mount Djebel Zaghouan to Carthage. It was one of the longest aqueducts built by the ancient Romans…Więcej

Lovely photo of ruins of Roman villa in Nora

Ruins of a Roman villa in the ancient city of Nora, near modern Pula (Sardinia, Italy). Originally the city of Nora was a Phoenician colony, but after the defeat of Carthage in First Punic War…Więcej

Well-preserved Roman surgery knife

Well-preserved Roman knife used in surgical operations. Dated to 2nd BCE – 4th century CE. The handle made of bronze was designed in such a way that the thumb and the first two fingers made…Więcej

Reconstruction of Roman watchtower

Reconstruction of the Roman watchtower, which was located in the present city of Schwabsberg (southern Germany). The model is in the Limes museum Aalen.Więcej

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