Roman glass vessel in shape of fish
Roman glass vessel in the shape of a fish. Object dated to the 3rd-4th century CE.
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Curiosities of ancient Rome
The world of ancient Romans abounded in a number of amazing curiosities and information. The source of knowledge about the life of the Romans are mainly works left to us by ancient writers or discoveries. The Romans left behind a lot of strange information and facts that are sometimes hard to believe.
Gold medallion depicting Emperor Valens
A gold medallion depicting Emperor Valens, which was made around the years 364 to 368 CE. The emperor was depicted in a toga, on a horse, with a halo over his head. The inscription on the artefact reads Gloria Romanorum, meaning “Glory of the Romans”. The emperor died in the battle of Adrianople on August 9, 378 CE.
Roman arch in Rijeka
Roman arch in Rijeka (Croatia) is by no means a triumphal arch. It was the main entrance to the very centre of the late Roman city of Tarsatica (today’s Rijeka). Over time, the arch was surrounded by tenement houses in the Middle Ages.
Roman forum in Zadar
The Croatian city of Zadar (Iadera) was founded in the middle of the 1st century BCE as a colony in which Roman veterans settled. The city underwent gradual development, and its centre of social, economic and political life was in the forum in the centre of the city. It was established during the reign of the first emperor Octavian Augustus (27 BCE – 14 CE).
Roman theater in Pula
The remains of a Roman small theatre are in Pula (Croatia). The object is dated to the 1st century CE and is located on the slope under the Castle. The theatre could accommodate from 4 to 5 thousand viewers, that is the city’s population at that time.
Roman knife holder in shape of man’s bust
Roman knife holder in the shape of a man’s bust. Object dated to the 1st-2nd century CE.
Roman mausoleum in Pula
In Pula (Croatia) can be found the base of a Roman octagonal mausoleum from the 1st-2nd century CE. Archaeologists believe that there was a tomb in its central part, and the entire octagonal structure had a roof.
Roman mosaic showing elephant loaded onto ship
Roman mosaic from Veii (now Isola Farnese in Italy) that shows an African elephant being loaded onto an antique ship. The object is dated from the 3rd-4th century CE and is now located in the Badisches Landesmuseum Karlsruhe, Germany.
Toga – typical Roman garment
The toga was a garment that distinguished Roman citizens, consisting of a 3- to 6-meter piece of cloth that was wrapped around the arms and body. Usually, the toga was made of wool (thicker or thinner) and was worn over the tunic. It was believed that the legendary King Romulus was a great supporter of wearing it.
