Curiosities of ancient Rome

This page is also available in: Polish (polski)

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.

Atia the Elder – mother of first emperor of Rome

Atia the Elder, known primarily as the mother of Octavian Augustus, the first emperor of Rome. Born in 85 BCE as the daughter of Marcus Atius Balbus and Julia the Younger, sister of Julius Caesar,…Więcej

“On the Subject of Cooking” by Apicius – work of ancient master of culinary art

Antiquity is associated primarily with great philosophers, warriors and architecture, but one of the most interesting aspects of ancient life is culinary art. Among the preserved works of ancient Rome, a special place is held…Więcej

Olive oil – golden treasure of ancient Rome

Olive oil was not only a key product in the daily life of ancient Romans, but also a symbol of status, wealth and civilization. Its use went far beyond cooking – in Rome, olive oil…Więcej

Hamilcar Barkas – father of brilliant strategist Hannibal

Hamilcar Barkas is a figure who is strongly embedded in the history of the ancient world, although his son Hannibal became more famous as a great Carthaginian commander. It was Hamilcar, a fearless general and…Więcej

Cecilia Paulina – wife of brutal emperor Maximinus the Thrax

Cecilia Paulina was the wife of Maximinus Thrax, the Roman emperor who reigned in the years 235–238 CE. Although her character remains somewhat mysterious and we have little information about her in historical sources, we…Więcej

“Praecepta ad filium” – wisdom of Cato the Elder for his son

“Praecepta ad filium” (i.e. “Maxims addressed to his son”) is a work that is traditionally attributed to the famous Roman politician, military man and writer, Cato the Elder (234-149 BCE), and which is considered the…Więcej

Bust of Empress Livia

Bust of Empress Livia, who lived in 58 BCE – 29 CE. The object was discovered in Asia Minor and dates back to the beginning of the 1st century CE. The artifact is located in…Więcej

De agri cultura – Cato’s work on farm management

De agri cultura (On farming) is one of the oldest works of Roman literature, written by Cato the Elder (Marcus Porcius Cato, lived in the years 234-149 BCE) in the 2nd century BCE. It is…Więcej

Sumptuariae leges – laws regulating lavish lifestyle of Romans

Sumptuariae leges were laws that were intended to regulate expenses and limit luxuries in Roman society. These acts concerned, among others, clothing, food, lavish celebrations, or the number of servants that could be kept. The…Więcej

Venus on Roman sculpture

Venus on Roman sculpture. The object was discovered in the Baths of Hadrian in Aphrodisias in Asia Minor; dating back to the 2nd century CE. The artifact is located in Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek in Copenhagen…Więcej

IMPERIUM ROMANUM needs your support!

If you like the content I collect on the website and share it on social media channels, I will be grateful for your support. Even the smallest amounts will allow me to pay for further corrections and improvements on the site and pay for the server.

Support IMPERIUM ROMANUM!

Discover secrets of ancient Rome!

If you want to be up to date with the newest articles on the website and discoveries from ancient Rome, subscribe to the newsletter, which is sent each Saturday.

Subscribe to newsletter!

Classic mobile version