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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.
Cheesecake was known in ancient times
First mention art of baking cheesecake appears in the work of the Greek philosopher Aegimus from the 5th century BCE. Apparently, the cake was eaten by the Olympians.
Amber amulet in shape of gladiator helmet
Amber amulet in shape of gladiator helmet. Dated back to 1st – 2nd century CE. Found in London.
Exercises of Roman legionaries
What made Roman legionaries stand out was the ability to act in a group and fight in various weather conditions. In addition, they were disciplined, well-equipped, and of course perfectly trained and durable. So what did their training look like?
Cinnamon – valuable spice of antiquity
Cinnamon was a very well known spice in ancient times. Chinese and Egyptians, as well as Romans used it. In ancient times cinnamon and cassia were distinguished. Cinnamon, which was imported from Sri Lanka, was more respected and luxurious; cassia, in turn, was imported from Arabia and Ethiopia. Due to the fact that cinnamon was very expensive, only the richest could afford to import it.
Bust of Plautilla, wife of Caracalla
Preserved bust (probably) of Plautilla – wife of Emperor Caracalla. The sculpture shows a woman at a young age. Dated to the early 3rd century CE.
Rome shown in wonderful animation
Thanks to “Rome Reborn” and Khan Academy, we have the chance to admire the Eternal City at its peak – in 320 CE – on wonderfully prepared animation.
Recipe for real Roman bread
In 1930 in Herculaneum there was excavated from the ground bread (pane), dated to 79 CE. In 2013, the British Museum asked chef Giorgio Locatelli to recreate a recipe for a Roman loaf of bread.
Anatomy was not so known to ancients
Currently there is great admiration for ancient Greeks or Romans. Their culture or level of civilization is admired; also medicine. However, it cannot be denied that in the latter field the ancients were not always right, especially when it comes to the functioning of our body.
