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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.
The Romans were curious about the world. Conquered lands were not only a source of raw materials, food or cheap labor. Information about new conquered territories was evidence of how far the authority of the Roman Empire reach. The victorious leaders came with news of conquered peoples, their customs, and natural curiosities found in the newly seized lands.
Roman vessel with face image. Object dated to 2nd – 3rd century CE.
The emperor Vespasian was an extremely accurate and thrifty person. He translated his traits into public life. He reformed the finances of the state, and primarily strengthened the treasure, which was heavily ruined by Caligula and Nero.
Bronze statuette depicting a Roman soldier. Artifact found in Gradac (Croatia). Object is dated to the 2nd century CE.
Romans used the testudo formation to protect themselves from the enemy’s fire. The legionaries resembled a turtle-covered shell – hence the name. It was a compact rectangular formation in which the legionaries (usually 27) from the first row and the sides of the formation held the shields in front of them or from the side of their exposed side, while the legionaries from the inner ranks held the shields horizontally above each other and over the legionaries of the first and side ranks, thus creating a shield of the whole formation covering themselves from enemy shots.
In the former Roman camp Vindolanda, in northern England, two precious stones were found.
Ancient Rome is known for beautiful villas and majestic buildings in which the elite of the country lived. Most, however, of Roman society lived in small apartments, single rooms or apartments without any facilities. They collected water from public wells or fountains fed by aqueducts. Certainly no water was taken from the rivers, as they were aware of their strong pollution.
Tombstone from the Ambleside fort in England. There is an inscription saying that Flavius Romantus was killed in the camp. The object is dated to the turn of the second and third century CE.
Galla Placidia was the native sister of the West Roman emperor – Honorius. In 410 CE she was captured by the Visigoths, who, commanded by king Alaric, captured and plundered Rome. While in captivity, she accompanied the Visigothic army in the march south of the Apennine Peninsula, and then to Gaul. Alaric showed her special favors, but only his successor – Ataulf – got married to Galla.
