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.

Reconstruction of images of first triumvirs

Reconstruction of the images of the first Roman triumvirs – Marcus Licinius Crassus, Julius Caesar and Pompey the Great. The reconstructions were made by “Dan Voshart”.Więcej

Fragment of image of Caracalla

A preserved fragment of the Roman image of Emperor Caracalla (188-217 CE). Caracalla’s nickname came from the name of the Gaulish hooded cloak that this ruler liked to wear.Więcej

“Rabbit” brooch

Roman brooch in the shape of a rabbit.Więcej

Fulcrum – ancient bed ornament

Roman ornaments of a bed or a couch (wedge) in the shape of a horse’s head. The object is dated to the 1st BCE – 1st century CE and was found in Pompeii. This type…Więcej

Image of gladiator on brick

Almost 2000 years old brick with engraved image of gladiator of the type retiarius (“netman”) named Equoreus. The gladiator was shown fighting a prepared dagger, protected by a neck protector (galerus) and a shoulder protector…Więcej

Hadrian on visit to public bath

The Romans appreciated the possibility of relaxing in the baths. Of course, the full pleasure of bathing could be experienced thanks to special additives such as oils or scrapers. A slave or bathman (balneator) hired…Więcej

Roman temples in Subajitila

Roman temples in Subaytila (central Tunisia), which were devoted to the “Capitoline Triad” (Jupiter, Minerva, Juno). The objects were placed next to each other and date back to the 2nd century CE. Więcej

Boy choking goose

A sculpture showing a boy choking the goose. It is a Roman copy (from the 1st-2nd century CE) of a Greek original from the 2nd century BCE. The object is made of marble and was…Więcej

Copy of bust of Tiberius Gracchus

Copy of the bust of the Roman politician Tiberius Gracchus. The object dates from 1990s.Więcej

Roman fort in Risingham

The remains of the earth from the Roman fort at Risingham (northern England), which was called Habitancum in Roman times. Its purpose was to defend the crossing of the Rede River. It was established in…Więcej

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