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 brooch depicting gladiator

Roman brooch depicting a gladiator. Date of origin unknown. Why is it certain that the brooch represents a gladiator and not a legionary? There is a protective armour on the arms and shins that was…Więcej

Reconstruction of temple in Petra

Reconstruction of the Great Temple in Petra, built between centuries the 1st BCE and 1st CE. Petra was the capital of the Roman province of Arabia Petraea (present-day Jordan). The temple complex covered an area…Więcej

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…Więcej

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. The bear was a popular animal in theatre performances. The vessel was probably used to…Więcej

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.Więcej

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,…Więcej

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…Więcej

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…Więcej

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.Więcej

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. Women’s hairstyles varied depending on the fashion in a…Więcej

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