Roman lead pipes in Bath
Roman lead pipes in Bath, England. Some of them are still in use. Dated to 1st – 2nd 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.
Strange phenomena from Pliny
Pliny the Elder, author of the encyclopedic work “Natural History”, often relied on various and often unverified sources. The writer even mentions that if a mother wanted her child to have black eyes, she had to eat a shrew during pregnancy.
Roman mask worn by horseman
Roman mask worn by a horseman. Discovered in Gotland, Sweden. Dated to the 2nd century CE.
Man with rooster head on mosaic
Roman mosaic showing the mysterious figure of a man with the head of a rooster. The object comes from Brading Villa on the Isle of Wight in England. Scientists suspect that the character may satirically depict the emperor Constantius Gallus (reigned in 351-354 CE), whose nickname means “cock” in Latin. The mosaic is dated to the 4th century CE.
Senatus consultum ultimum
Senatus consultum ultimum1, or “final decree of the Senate”, was an extraordinary resolution adopted by the Roman Senate in the event of a significant threat to the state. This term took shape during the late republic and was intended to inform high officials of Rome of the existing danger.
Roman children’s toy in shape of bed
Roman children’s toy in the shape of a bed, carved from animal bone. The object dates to the 2nd – 3rd century CE. The artefact was in the girl’s grave at the Pećine archaeological site, near the ancient Viminacium (near present-day Kostolac, in eastern Serbia). The object is on display in the museum in Požarevac.
Roman figurine of Apollo
Roman figurine of Apollo, made of bronze. The object dates to the 2nd – 3rd century CE. The artefact was found in the ancient Singidunum (now Belgrade, Serbia). Currently, the item can be admired in the city museum of Belgrade.
Roman medallion showing family
Roman medallion made of gold and glass on which you can see the Roman family. Object dated to the 3rd century CE. Located in the Vatican Museum.
