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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.

Trial of Marcus Celius

In 56 BCE Marcus Celius, a former protégé of Cicero and the later supporter of Caesar, was accused by Clodia – his ex-mistress of trying to poison her. Celius was also charged with the assassination of Egypt’s emissary, Dion.

Cicero

Roman clientele

The rich Romans looked after their clients. The client was in a literal sense of the word parasite, which in exchange for protection he was ready every morning, according to the custom, at dawn, to appear at the patron’s house to greet him and offer his services. Sometimes the patron had to remind customers of their duties. Readiness to provide services gained great value during the election campaign.

Roman elections

Head of barbarian

Roman marble head of a barbarian. Dated back to late 2nd century CE. Located in Saint Petersburg, The State Hermitage Museum.

Marble head of an old woman

Trial of Rabirius

In 63 BCE Titus Labienus – probably at the instigation of Caesar, accused the aged Gaius Rabirius. He accused him of murdering Lucius Saturninus in 100 BCE. Marcus Cicero took the defendant’s defence.

Cicrero

Pax Deorum

Romans believed that their state was based on the Pax Deorum principle: if the Romans acted in accordance with the divine commands, then the gods acted in their favor. The greatest obstacle for the Romans to maintain this principle were Christians.

Fish on the Roman mosaic

Roman generals did not fight in battles

In popular culture, we can hear about Roman generals fighting side by side with legionaries. It must be clearly stated that this was not entirely true. The Roman leaders were commanders, not warriors. Only in exceptional situations, when it was necessary, the commander was involved in the fight.

Roman commander

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