This page cannot be viewed in frames

Go to page

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.

Portus – port of Roman Empire

The most famous port of ancient Rome is probably the one in Ostia – the main port of the Republic of Rome. However, this river haven has not always been able to meet the needs of a rapidly growing metropolis. That is why in the first century CE Emperor Claudius founded Portus, an imperial seaport that was used continuously until the 8th century when a fleet resided there under the command of Pope Constantine (708-715).

Portus - port of the Roman Empire

In United States you can find many references to Rome

For many, the United States is the modern homeland of democracy – many solutions from the US political system have been adopted in European countries. For years, American leaders have been referring to ancient patterns, as evidenced by the names of cities and streets that clearly refer to, among others, the Roman world.

United States Supreme Court headquarters. Similarities to the Roman style can be seen with the naked eye.

Corvus – Roman method of fighting at sea

The primary method of attacking the Roman fleet was by boarding. Rome developed its power through a land army, therefore naval combat was a problem for a long time, and lack of skill often led to defeats. The solution was the “raven” (corvus), a ramp equipped with two or one spike (resembling a bird’s beak, hence the name) for boarding. It allowed for the introduction of the tactic of quickly jumping to the enemy and using the infantry force at sea.

Corvus - Roman boarding bridge

Basic moral values of ancient Romans

During the republic, in the 2nd century BCE have developed and fully formed the basic moral values of the ancient Romans. The most important feature was virtus (virtue). It meant a behaviour worthy of a real man (vir), according to the rules of law and honour, the ability to distinguish what is good from what is bad. It is also “setting boundaries and restraint to your desires”, as Gaius Lucilius – a friend of Scipio Aemilianus wrote.

A bust of an elderly man - the so-called patrician Torlonia. Dated to the  1st century CE

Single Roman mother

A single Roman mother Petronia Hedone with her son Lucius Petronius Philemon on a Roman marble tombstone. The object is dated 110-120 CE and was created in Campania (Italia).

Single Roman mother

Spelling error report

The following text will be sent to our editors: