Floor mosaic in villa of rich merchant
Amazing floor mosaic in the atrium of the villa of the wealthy merchant Aulus Umbricius Scaurus in Pompeii. The man traded the famous fish sauce – garum.
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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.
Roman amphitheater in Verona
Roman amphitheatre in Verona (north-east Italy) was built in 30 CE, outside the ancient city walls. The facility could accommodate up to 30,000 people and is an example of a beautifully preserved Roman monument.
Cooperation between Hannibal and Antiochus III
Hannibal was over 40 years old after the end of the Second Punic War. After signing the humiliating peace, Hannibal decided to focus on politics. He was elected a shofeṭ, the highest government official, with strong executive power and considerable legislative and judicial powers. As a result of his efficient reforms, seven years after the battle of Zama (202 BCE), Carthage was “rising from its knees”.
Hannibal’s elephants
Hannibal became famous not only for his great victories over disciplined Romans during the Second Punic War but also for his surprising march through the Pyrenees and the Alps. During his trip, he had 38 elephants with him – animals that were not used to the cold climate and mountains.
Roman mirror made of silver
Roman mirror made of silver, standing on a bronze base. Dated to 2nd century BCE – 2nd century CE.
Lemures – spirits of the dead Romans
Romans paid great role to the form of giving the final service to the deceased. It was believed that the spirits of the dead (lemures) were divided into good – lares (good people in life) and evil – larvae (people bad in life); often the harmful ones were simply identified with lemures.
