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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.

Colossi of Memnon – talking statue

Ancient tourists visiting Egypt were attracted by a pair of giant statues in Thebes, created in the fourteenth century BCE, near the Valley of the Kings: they were two figures sitting on the throne, each with a height of a six-story building.

Colossus of Memnon, or speaking statue

Colossi of Memnon and inscriptions

The so-called Colossi of Memnon still have inscriptions on the legs in Greek or Latin to commemorate the fact that Memnon was heard. According to the researchers, the sounds are probably due to the fact that the sandstone gradually expands in the warmth of the morning air. The surviving graffiti is both simple texts and complete poems. They were made by Roman officials and soldiers. In total, 107 inscriptions have been preserved, of which 11 were written by women.

Colossi of Memnon and inscriptions

Silver Roman ring

Silver Roman ring. This is one of the earliest evidence of the presence of Christians in Roman Britain. Intaglio shows two fish hanging from the anchor. The find dated to the 3rd century CE.

Silver Roman ring

Tomb of Gaius Julius Alpinus Classicianus

The reconstructed monumental tomb of Gaius Julius Aplinus Classicianus – a member of the aristocratic family from Gaul and the procurator of Roman Britain, which he became in 61 CE (after the transfer of Tacitus). In historical sources, Alpinus is portrayed as an efficient administrator who restored order in Britain after the suppression of Boudica’s rebellion.

Tomb of Gaius Julius Alpinus Classicianus

Roman marriage on tombstone

Roman tombstone showing marriage: Caludius Agathemerus and his wife Myrtale. Object is dated back to 90-110 CE. The artifact is located in the Ashmolean Museum.

Roman marriage on a tombstone

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