Curiosities of ancient Rome

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Béziers Antique – reproduction of city of Béziers as it was in Roman times

“Béziers Antique” is the reproduction of the city of Béziers (south of France) as it was in Roman times, highlighting the techniques and methods used during Antiquity. Starting in 2028 for at least 30 years, workers and craftsmen will be ... Read more

Cicero in Cilicia: governor by force and appointment

In 51 BCE, Marcus Tullius Cicero, Rome’s greatest orator and one of its leading intellectuals, was reluctant to travel east to assume the office of governor of Cilicia. For a man whose entire life revolved around the political intrigues of ... Read more

Daedalus, Pasiphae and wooden cow

Daedalus, Pasiphae, and a wooden cow in a Roman fresco from the House of the Vettii in Pompeii. The painting, preserved on the north wall of the triclinium, depicts Daedalus constructing a wooden cow for Queen Pasiphae. In myth, Pasiphae, ... Read more

Roman fresco showing Heracles and Omphale

Roman fresco depicting Heracles and Omphale, mythical figures from Greek mythology. The object is located at the National Archaeological Museum in Naples, Italy. The fresco depicts a mythological scene from the life of Heracles—one of the most famous Greek heroes—and ... Read more

Roman portrait from late 1st century CE

Roman portrait from the late 1st century CE, currently located at the Walters Art Museum, Baltimore (USA). This remarkably realistic portrait dates from the late 1st century AD and is one of the so-called Fayum portraits—unique works of art created ... Read more

Flatbread in Roman fresco

Roman fresco discovered in Pompeii depicts a flatbread that resembles, but isn’t, a modern pizza. This bread features fruits (including dates and pomegranates), spices, and perhaps sauce or cheese, all arranged in a decorative manner.

Roman fresco showing maritime villa

Roman fresco depicting a maritime villa. The object dates to 20–45 CE; found in Pompeii. The composition is vibrant with life – numerous figures in motion give the scene a dynamic feel and a sense of everyday activity. The central ... Read more

Roman fresco showing globe with mountain

Roman fresco depicting a globe with a mountain. The object dates to the 1st century CE and was found at the Villa Boscoreale near Pompeii. The artifact is located at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (USA). The mountain ... Read more

Roman fresco from Pompeii depicting man in theatre mask and woman with wreath

Roman fresco from Pompeii depicting a man wearing a theatrical mask and a woman with a wreath playing a lyre. The object is located at the National Archaeological Museum in Naples, Italy. Dated to the 1st century CE.

Fragment of Roman fresco depicting fight between two gladiators

Fragment of a Roman fresco depicting a fight between two gladiators. The painting was found north of the Pompeii archaeological park.
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