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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.

Underground part of Aqua Traiana

The photo shows the underground part of Aqua Traiana, which transported water from an underground source located under an abandoned 13th-century church on the shores of Lake Bracciano.

The underground part of Aqua Traiana

Autopsy of body of Julius Caesar

After the murder of Julius Caesar on March 15, 44 BCE, the conspirators originally planned to expel the former dictator’s body in the Tiber. Ultimately, however, for unknown reasons, they left his bloodied body in Pompey’s theater. Thanks to this, the doctor Antistius could perform an autopsy.

Fragment of the painting The Death of Julius Caesar by Vincenzo Camuccini

Remains of Roman road Via Delle Gallie

Preserved, carved in the stone Roman arch, which was on the so-called Via Delle Gallie – the Roman road that crossed the Aosta Valley towards Gaul. The road was 5 meters wide. Next to arch is located a milestone marking the XXXVI Roman mile (53 km), calculated from Aosta. The road led from Eporedia (Ivrea) to Augusta Praetoria Salassorum (Aosta).

Remains of the Roman road Via Delle Gallie

Romans and microbiology

How did the Romans cope with their diseases and were they even aware of their aetiology? The answer to this is the “De Re Rustica” of Terentius Varro. This may surprise us, but hundred years ago we were aware of the presence of microorganisms and their pathogenic effect on humans!

A mosaic showing the foot

Roman silver coins

Roman silver antoninianus coins, dated back to 3rd century CE. Objects were found in province of Vojvodina, northern Serbia.

Venus

Sardonic grin

The ancient author, Isidore of Seville in his work (Etymologiarum sive originum libri XX) mentions a surprising plant – herba sardonica – which was supposed to have surprising lethal properties. The victim who took a decoction from this Sardinian herb died with a smile on his face.

Phoenician mask dated to the 4th century BCE, found in Tunis.

Romans and god Asclepius

Romans going to the temple of Asclepius (god of medicine and healing) sacrificed objects in the shape of a part of the body that was sick and needed healing. Those were votive offerings of healed parts of the body (eg. hands, legs).

Aesculapius with intertwined serpents

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