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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.
Marcus Aurelius did not want another wedding after death of his wife
Marcus Aurelius, after the death of his wife, Faustina, who was younger than himself, was to resist the next marriage. He explained that he wanted to avoid any pressure from his stepmother on numerous offspring (Faustina and Aurelius had at least 12 children).
Reconstruction of image of Pompey the Great
Reconstruction of the image of the Roman general and politician – Pompey the Great (106-48 BCE).
Unforgettable exploits of Antony
We can mention some of the better and unforgettable feats of Mark Antony. Once he started service under the supervision of Aulus Gabinius at the age of 26, in 57 BCE he suppressed the rise of the Judaeans under the leadership of Aristobulus, he went from Jerusalem to Pelusium, what no one expected, he defeated his old friend Archaelos, and then put on throne Ptolemy XII Auletes.
Mummy portrait of youth
Mummy portrait of a youth. Object was found in Egypt. Dated back to 150–200 CE. It is example of so called Fayum portrait.
Interesting Roman ring
Roman gold ring dated back to 1st-2nd century CE. It was found next to Hadrian’s Wall.
Pyrrhic victory
“Pyrrhic victory” is a victory achieved at excessive cost, for example with large losses in people and war equipment that are disproportionate to the achieved results. The name comes from the name of the king of Epirus – Pyrrus, who in the third century BCE waged a war against Rome. He had i.e. heavy losses but won at the battle of Asculum in 279 BCE.
Crassus – richest Roman in history
Marcus Crassus was certainly the richest Roman of the 1st century BCE, if not the richest in all Rome’s history. He made a lot of money on construction, silver mining and loans for interest. He organized a “fire brigade” for the city of Rome.
Dies lustricus – day of purification
Dies lustricus (“day of purification”) was a Roman rite that was carried out for newborns. In the case of girls, it was carried out on the eighth day of birth, and for boys on the ninth.
