Curiosities of ancient Rome

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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.

Roman stamp used to mint Roman coins

Roman stamp used to mint Roman coins. This is an extremely rare artifact of this type that has survived to this day. The object was discovered in Lugdunum (now Lyon, France), on the site of…Więcej

Roman sculpture depicting Philip II

Roman sculpture depicting Philip II, king of Macedon from 359-336 BCE, who was the father of the famous Alexander the Great. The object is a copy of a Greek original from the 4th century BCE.…Więcej

Mummified child’s hand holding Roman coin

Mummified child’s hand holding a Roman coin. Currently kept in the Denon Museum in Chalon-sur-Saône, France.Więcej

Sculpture of Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa

Sculpture of Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa. The object dates back to 30-20 BCE. The artifact is located in Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek in Copenhagen (Denmark). An outstanding politician and military commander. Son-in-law, minister and friend of Emperor…Więcej

Differences Between a Municipality and a Roman Colony

Although both the municipality and the Roman colony refer to forms of urban organization in ancient Rome, they differed significantly in terms of administrative structure, autonomy, and relations with central authority. Understanding these differences is…Więcej

Touch traces of “Quo Vadis?”… – Domus Transitoria

Domus Transitoria is a very mysterious palace, about which much less is known than about other residences of Roman emperors. Other palaces of the Caesars: Domus Augustea, Domus Tiberiana, Domus Augustana, and Domus Flavia, Domus…Więcej

Elderly woman on Roman sculpture

Elderly woman on a Roman sculpture. The object dates back to the reign of Octavian Augustus (27 BCE – 14 CE). The artifact is located in Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek in Copenhagen (Denmark).Więcej

Roman sculpture from around 40 BCE

Roman sculpture from around 40 BCE, which depicts an unnamed man. The artifact is located in Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek in Copenhagen (Denmark).Więcej

You’re starving and you pretend you’re not

The battle of Philippi (43 BCE) in the far north of Greece, lost by the optimates, put an end to dreams of restoring the republic. Brutus and Cassius were dead, and soon after Cicero’s beheaded…Więcej

Giant replica of Emperor Constantine made in 3D technology

A giant 3D replica of Emperor Constantine is located near the museum, which houses the original fragments of Constantine’s giant feet, hands and head, discovered by archaeologists. It is a massive, 13-meter-high replica of the…Więcej

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