Sculpture of Vespasian’s daughter – Flavia Domitilla
Roman sculpture of Flavia Domitilla – daughter of Vespasian. Object dated to 69-96 CE. The artifact is located in Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek in Copenhagen (Denmark).
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Curiosities of ancient Rome
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.
Did the Romans know the world was a round blue sphere before the rest of the world?
There is strong evidence that the ancient Greeks and Romans knew the world was a round globe before the rest of the world learned of it.
Roman sculpture probably depicting Emperor Nerva
Roman sculpture probably depicting Emperor Nerva (reigned 96-98 CE), who took over after the death of Domitian and handed over power to Trajan. The artifact is located in Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek in Copenhagen (Denmark).
Bust of Roman woman
Bust of a Roman woman from 1st BCE – 1st century CE. Object discovered in Italy. The artifact is located in Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek in Copenhagen (Denmark).
Why Christians chose to Hail Zeus!
After the Roman General Titus conquered the violent rebellion in Jerusalem and Judea, he devised 4 solutions to prevent it from happening again.
Carved head of Emperor Tiberius
Carved head of Emperor Tiberius, who reigned from 14-37 CE. The object dates back to 10-20 CE. The artifact is located in Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek in Copenhagen (Denmark).
Roman concrete secret. How the Pantheon has stood for 2000 years?
For 2000 years, people wondered how the Pantheon was able to stand intact while many other structures had fallen. As an architect, I have wondered about this too.
Arch of Drusus – “neither arch nor Drusus”. So how much truth is there in legend?
Many of you have probably seen a building in Rome called the “Arch of Drusus” or at least heard about it. It stands on Via Appia, at Porta San Sebastiano, on the inside of Aurelian’s walls.
Roman sculpture depicting Greek poet
Roman sculpture depicting a Greek poet. The object is a copy of a Greek original from the 2nd century BCE. The artifact is located in Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek in Copenhagen (Denmark).
Scenes showing gladiators and hunters painted on wall of Roman house
Scenes showing gladiators and hunters painted on the wall of a Roman house. The paintings were probably made by children using charcoal. The discovery was made in the so-called Casa del Cenacolo in Pompeii.
