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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.

Uncovered imperial banners

In 2007, a unique discovery was made on the northeastern slope of the Palatine. Clementina Panella at the head of the research team found a mysterious chest inside which were located imperial banners (signa imperii) and the scepter of the Roman emperor.

Discovered Roman imperial banners in 2007

Gaius Gracchus and his head

Gaius Sempronius Gracchus was the younger brother of Tiberius Gracchus, with whom he acted at the end of the 2nd century BCE in defense of the plebeians and proposed reforms to repair Rome’s political system. Over time, however, as a result of persecution from the optimates, he died sharing the fate of his brother.

Death of Gaius Gracchus

Roman gold key ring

Roman gold key ring, dated back to 3rd – 4th century CE. Inside there is an onyx cameo with the image of a hand holding the ear and inscription “MNHMNEYE”, “Remember[about me]”.

Golden Roman keyring

Almost 2,000 years old Roman face cream

In 2003, a 2,000-year-old Roman face cream was found. The discovery was made in the temple complex dedicated to Mars. The content is in a six-centimeter wide container. The find is dated to the 2nd century CE.

A 2000-year-old Roman face cream

Marble head of old woman

Roman marble head of an old woman wearing a kerchief. This is Roman copy of a Hellenistic original from the 3rd – 2nd century BCE.

Marble head of an old woman

Suburra – poor district

Suburra was part of ancient Rome, located in a valley between the southern end of Viminal and the western slopes of Esquiline. In ancient times, at first it was a separate settlement, then incorporated into Rome, finally became a crowded district inhabited by the urban poor (very often in insulae). Suburra was also known as the Red Light District.

Subura

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