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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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Roman ring belonging to child

Roman ring belonging to a child found at Philiphaugh, southern Scotland; there is carved into the stone representation of Ceres, the goddess of agriculture, grain and fertility. The object is in the collection of the National Museums Scotland.

Roman ring belonging to child

Quintilian – outstanding educator and rhetorician

Marcus Fabius Quintilianus (approx. 35 – approx. 96 CE) became famous for his work “Institutes of Oratory”, on which many a humanist grew up. Quintilian taught the rhetoric for which he became famous in the Roman Empire, but he was also an outstanding educator. The scientist raised problems that concern modern people and that is why his thought is valid.

Rhetoric, Woodcut in: Gregor Reich, Margarita Philosophica, Strasbourg 1512

Scenery from movie “Cleopatra”

The film “Cleopatra”, shot in 1963 by Joseph Mankiewicz, is the most profitable film about the Queen of Egypt. The film was shot in practice for three years and the budget was as high as 44 million USD.

Scenery from movie "Cleopatra"

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