If you have found a spelling error, please, notify us by selecting that text and pressing Ctrl+Enter.
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.
Slingers of Balearic Islands, Majorca and monuments
Balearii was a unit of soldiers from the Balearic Archipelago, who most likely derive their name from the Greek verb “ballein”, meaning cast. The name was given to them by the ancient Romans, but probably the warriors were already known in the Bronze Age.
Augustus of Prima Porta
The so-called statue of Augustus of Prima Porta stood in the private villa of Empress Livia in Prima Porta, near Rome. This is probably the posthumous appearance of the emperor, as evidenced by his bare feet – nudity symbolized the death of the depicted person, but the emperor fighting for the renewal of Roman customs was not decided to present in this form, especially shortly after his death. Instead, the pars pro toto principle was used – literally “part of the whole” – bare feet were supposed to symbolize the nakedness of the whole body.
Tombstone of Viatorinus
The tombstone of Viatorinus, a Roman soldier who died at the hands of Frank in a foreign land – near the ancient settlement of Divitia (near Gereonskloster; around Cologne in Germany).
Fresco showing slave carrying master’s trousers
Late Roman fresco showing a slave carrying master’s trousers. Object dated to around 375 CE. Fresco found in a tomb near the Roman city of Durostorum (now Silistra, Bulgaria).
Gladiator Commodus
Roman emperor Commodus, son of the “emperor-philosopher” Marcus Aurelius he was known for his love of blood and games, especially gladiatorial fights. His participation in the clashes – during the reign (180-192 CE) – was very badly received and treated as part of the scandal.
