Roman brooch depicting gladiator
Roman brooch depicting a gladiator. Date of origin unknown.
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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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Model of Roman camp in Haltern
Model of the Roman camp of Haltern, West Germany. Currently, in the vicinity of the camp, there is the Roman museum LWL, where you can admire the mentioned model or the rebuilt defensive ditches. The camp was probably built during the Drusus the Elder campaign in 12-9 BCE.
Roman or Byzantine bear-shaped vessel
Roman or Byzantine bear-shaped vessel. The object is dated to the 3rd-4th century CE and is made of copper alloy.
Roman golden ring with image of lion
Roman gold ring from the 2nd century CE. On the outside of the object, there is an engraved silhouette of a walking lion, the moon and two stars.
Trajan’s dream
Trajan is considered one of the best Roman emperors in history. During his reign, the Roman Empire reached its military and territorial peak. What distinguished Trajan was the fact that he greatly respected the Senate, what after years of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, was not something obvious.
Remains of Roman amphitheater in Serbia
Remains of a Roman amphitheatre in the ancient city of Viminacium, near Kostolac, Serbia. The object has been partially reconstructed based on the discoveries of archaeologists. Scientists rebuilt the wooden stands in the north-eastern part of the building and the eastern gate.
Relief on Roman tombstone showing scene from work in slaughterhouse
Relief on a Roman tombstone showing a scene from the work of the deceased, who was a butcher. The man is at work, pieces of meat are hanging in front of him, and the wife is writing something on a wax tablet. The woman has a hairstyle typical of the reign of Emperor Hadrian (117-138 CE).
Head of young attractive woman
Head of a young attractive woman with a popular hairstyle during the reign of Emperor Trajan (98-117 CE). The object comes from Greece.
Bust of elderly Roman woman with popular hairstyle
A marble bust of an elderly Roman woman with a characteristic hairstyle – the so-called nodus. Object dated at the end of the 1st century BCE.
