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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.
Sexually transmitted diseases in antiquity
People had to deal with sexually transmitted diseases in antiquity. One of them was, for example, herpes, for which the Romans invented two, not very popular methods of treatment. The first major plague epidemic appeared during the reign of emperor Tiberius, at the beginning of the first century CE.
Footprints on arena
Footprints in the arena of the amphitheater in Serdica (current Sofia in Bulgaria). Dated to the 3rd-4th century CE.
Story about Roman ghosts
The most famous story about the ghosts in which the ancient Romans appear. It relates to the event of February 1953 in the city of York, England. That day, the plumber Harry Martingale installed new central heating in the basement of Treasuerer’s House, when he unexpectedly heard the sound of a horn that came from a long distance.
Cato and annexation of Cyprus
After expelling Cicero from Rome, Clodius still had to prevent him from returning. The presence of Cato the Younger – Cicero’s ally made it very difficult to implement these plans. To get rid of him from Rome, Clodius offered him to get Cyprus for Rome.
Large Roman fibula with cameo
Large Roman fibula (decorative clasp) with cameo – probably showing Plautilla, the wife of emperor Caracalla.
Custom spolia opima
Spolia opima (“great loot”) was a martial custom in republican Rome. According to it, the person who defeated in the direct duel the general of the hostile army was granted the honor of putting the armor drawn from his body and the rest of the gear in the temple of Jupiter Feret’rius on the Capitol.
Pollice verso
Pollice verso (also referred to as verso pollice) was a gesture condemning the defeated gladiator in ancient Rome to death. Contrary to common beliefs and the image disseminated by cinematography, it is uncertain whether in ancient Rome this gesture was actually in the form of a thumb pointing downwards
Slaves fought at funeral of rich Roman
During the funeral of a wealthy Roman slaves had to fight with each other. This was done because it was thought that the blood calms the gods, and the show relaxed a family in mourning. This custom was initiated by the Brutus family, when in 264 BCE a family member died – Decimus Brutus. Then, a fight between three warrior pairs was arranged.
