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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.

Kiss in antiquity

The kiss plays an important role in many cultures to this day. It was no different in ancient times. Ancient Romans used it as a sign of friendship, respect or even greetings (salutatio) of the client’s patron.

20 September 2019

Roman clay fragment with relief decoration depicting a couple kissing.

What was vomitorium?

At present, there is a common misconception that the vomitorium was a room specially dedicated by the ancient Romans to empty the stomach during banquets.

19 September 2019

“Wounded Warrior”

“Wounded warrior” sometimes also called “Farnese Gladiator” (from the collection of which he was part in modern times). The sculpture dates from the second century CE and is of course a Roman copy of an older Greek work probably made in the 5th century BCE (and for that reason alone he can’t portray a gladiator). According to ancient artistic convention, the figure is naked. This does not mean, however, that the ancient warriors did indeed fight without clothing. Such a performance is only to emphasize the heroism and beauty of the human body (so-called heroic nudity).

18 September 2019

Painted bust of Agrippina the Elder

Painted bust of Agrippina the Elder, daughter of Marcus Agrippa and Julia; the wife of an outstanding general Germanicus.

18 September 2019

The highest paid athlete of all time

Gaius Apuleius Diocles was born in 104 CE in the province of Lusitania, which is located in what is now southern Portugal and southwestern Spain. He was born a free man or a slave, most likely he was also illiterate. Little is known about his youth and a lack of reliable information about him, but he was the best-paid athlete in history.

17 September 2019

A mosaic showing a chariot race. Discovered in Cyprus

“Caesar” knife stand

An interesting knife stand in the shape of stabbed Julius Caesar.

17 September 2019

Bust of Julius Bassianus

Bust of Julius Bassianus from Villa Borghese. He was the high priest of El Gabala from North Arabia. The Roman belonged to the seventh generation of the descendants of Mark Antony and Cleopatra VII. He was the father-in-law of Septimius Severus, grandfather of Caracalla and Geta, great-grandfather of Elagabalus and Alexander Severus.

16 September 2019

Ancient Romans wore underwear

Ancient Romans wore underwear. They were simple hip covers, tied on both sides. Roman lingerie had several terms, which was probably due to the many shapes and forms of clothing. It was referred to as subligar, subligaculum, campestre, licium or cinctus.

15 September 2019

Priscus and Verus – clash of giants

In 80 CE the construction of the largest amphitheater – the Colosseum – was completed. It was inaugurated by the Emperor Titus with the start of a hundred-day uninterrupted games. Martialis recalls that one of the highlights of the games was the fight between the gladiators Priscus and Verus.

15 September 2019

Roman mosaic showing victorious gladiator

Legion markings on bricks

Marking of Roman legions on bricks; dated to II-IV century CE. The object was found in Sirmium (current Śremska Mitrovica, northern Serbia).

14 September 2019

Curiosities of ancient Rome

Kiss in antiquity

What was vomitorium?

“Wounded Warrior”

Painted bust of Agrippina the Elder

The highest paid athlete of all time

“Caesar” knife stand

Bust of Julius Bassianus

Ancient Romans wore underwear

Priscus and Verus – clash of giants

Legion markings on bricks

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Curiosities of ancient Rome

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