Gases allowed by Claudius
Emperor Claudius once issued a feast on which one of the invited senators, not wanting to offend the ruler, withheld the gases, what led him to death.
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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.
Roman platter in shape of Medusa’s head
Roman platter in the shape of Medusa’s head, surrounded by a wreath of leaves and birds. Object dated to the 1st century CE.
Unique Roman necklace
Roman gold necklace with lion-shaped tips. The chain of ornaments looks amazingly interesting. The object is dated to the 4th century CE.
Corocotta, robber in Spain
Corocotta was an Iberian highwayman from today’s Cantabria, who in the first century BCE according to Cassius Dio invaded Roman territories and wreaked havoc. The damage he was doing was so large that Augustus wanted to reward anyone – with a prize of million sesterces – who will help to catch him.
Caesar, queen of Nicomedes
Julius Caesar, according to Suetonius, throughout his life had to deal with unsavoury jokes about himself. These comments were associated with an infamous adventure, which more than twenty-year-old Caesar had at the court of King Nicomedes in Bithynia.
Rich Romans organized wonderful feasts
Rich Romans organized extremely decadent and extravagant feasts that lasted for hours. Unable to swallow the next dishes, the slaves teased their palate with a pen so that they could then vomit the contents of the stomach. In this way they could continue to participate in the meeting.
Rex bibendi – Roman king of feast
Roman feast (cena) preceded the choice of a specific king of feast (rex bibendi). It was either the host himself or a person known and recognized by fellow-members. The selection was made with a roll of dice: the best throw – called Venus – set the master of the ceremony among others trying to please the guests.
