Curiosities of ancient Rome

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The world of the ancient Romans was rich in extraordinary, and sometimes even surprising, facts. We draw our knowledge of Roman daily life, customs, and mentality primarily from works left by ancient writers and historians. It is thanks to them that we discover information that is astonishing today – sometimes even hard to believe. Below are some interesting facts that reveal a lesser-known and less obvious side of the Roman world.

I encourage you to submit your own suggestions and to report any corrections or inaccuracies.

Samnite House in Herculaneum – one of oldest and most beautiful houses in city

Casa Sannitica, or Samnite House, is one of the oldest and best-preserved houses in ancient Herculaneum. Built in the 2nd century BCE, its architecture is an excellent example of a stately residence belonging to a…Więcej

Forum, theater and temple – heart of public life in Roman Salona

The southeastern part of ancient Salona (Croatia), capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia, was the city’s most important center of political, religious, and cultural life. It was here that the most important public buildings…Więcej

City walls of Salona – mighty fortifications of Roman capital of Dalmatia

The defensive walls of Salona, the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia, were one of the most important elements of the city’s infrastructure. Their construction began as early as the 2nd century BCE, when…Więcej

Porta Caesarea in Salona – monumental gate of Roman metropolis of Dalmatia

Porta Caesarea was one of the most important gates of the ancient city of Salona, the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia. Located in the eastern part of the city, it served as a…Więcej

Rare evidence of Roman crucifixion – calcaneus with preserved nail

During archaeological excavations in eastern England in 2017, an extremely rare find was discovered: the heel bone of a man with an iron nail still embedded in it. The remains, designated Skeleton 4926, date from…Więcej

Roman amphitheater in Salona

The amphitheater in ancient Salona, the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia, was built in the second half of the 2nd century CE. It was one of the most important public buildings in the…Więcej

Roman amphorae in hotel lobby

The lobby of the Amphora Hotel in Split, Croatia, houses an interesting exhibition of ancient Roman amphorae, referencing the maritime and commercial history of the Adriatic and the world of the Roman Empire. The vessels…Więcej

Murmillo gladiator helmet used in series “Spartacus”

Murmillo-type gladiator helmet used in the TV series “Spartacus.” Characteristic of this class of gladiator was a massive helmet with a large crest and full face shield. This example features additional decorations in the form…Więcej

Treasure from mud: extraordinary bronzes of San Casciano dei Bagni

In the Tuscan town of San Casciano dei Bagni, one of the most important archaeological sites of recent decades was discovered between 2021 and 2022. Right next to the modern thermal baths, an ancient sanctuary…Więcej

Discovery of Roman bas-relief depicting coronation of Roman Emperor Nero

The discovery of a Roman bas-relief depicting the coronation of the Roman Emperor Nero by his mother Agrippina. The discovery was made in 1979 during archaeological excavations at the Sebasteion in Aphrodisias, Turkey.Więcej

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