If you have found a spelling error, please, notify us by selecting that text and pressing Ctrl+Enter.

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.

I encourage you to submit your own suggestions and to report any corrections or inaccuracies.

Interesting balsamarium

Interesting appearance of the Roman vessel for storing lotions (balsamarium). The bronze object dates back to the 2nd century CE.

Interesting balsamarium

Beautiful ceramic dishes from New Forest

Beautiful earthenware from the New Forest (southern England) now in The Salisbury Museum, in Salisbury, southern England. New Forest has been England’s National Park since 2005; in ancient times, ceramics were mass-produced there.

Beautiful ceramic dishes from New Forest

Tragic games of elephants

Elephants were exotic animals that often appeared in the arenas of Roman amphitheatres and circuses. The enormous size and unusual appearance made the Roman crowd loved to watch them.

Elephant on Roman mosaic

Labyrinth on Roman mosaic

A beautiful Roman mosaic from the 4th century CE, showing a labyrinth. The object was found in the imperial palace in Gamzigrad (eastern Serbia). The labyrinth is surrounded by a wall and watchtowers.

Labyrinth on Roman mosaic

Spelling error report

The following text will be sent to our editors: