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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.

Antonia Fortress on huge plan

Part of a giant model showing the city of Jerusalem in the first century CE. On the set we see, among others, the great Antonia Fortress, which was commissioned by Herod the Great in 31 BCE.

Antonia Fortress on a giant plan

Remains of Roman bridge in Britain

In Piercebridge, northern England, there are preserved remains of a Roman bridge. The building connected two banks on the river Tees. Over the centuries, the river has narrowed and changed its course; therefore, the foundations are in the field.

Remains of a Roman bridge in Britain

Roman cameo from Serbia

Roman cameo with an engraved portrait of a soldier placed in a golden frame. The object dates to the 2nd – 4th century CE. The artifact was found in the remains of the ancient Viminacium, a Roman city located near Kostolac in eastern Serbia.

Roman cameo from Serbia

Amphitheater in Pollenzo

Roman amphitheater in Pollenzo (Roman city Pollentia) no longer exists. However, the houses built on its foundations perfectly reflect its range and appearance.

Pollenzo Amphitheater

Indecent gesture in Rome

It happens that nowadays public figures abuse gestures considered obscene. “Infamis digitus”, i.e. the middle finger arranged in a manner reminiscent of male genitals was a gesture most well known in antiquity and already considered offensive and obscene.

Sculpture with fingers

Detail showing play with cat

Recently, on February 17, we are celebrating the day of the cat. On this occasion, in the photo we can see a detail showing the play with a cat. The painting was made on a dish called “hydria” used to carry water. The object dates to the V- IV century BCE and is located in the Museo Nazionale Palazzo Jatta, Ruvo di Puglia.

Detail showing playing with the cat

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