Silver fibula depicting Leda and swan
Roman silver fibula depicting famous mythological scene of Leda and the swan (actually Zeus/Jupiter). Object dated back to 3rd century CE. It was found in Ulpijana (southern Serbia).
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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.
Freedom of expression during reign of emperor Aurelius
Under the reign of emperor Marcus Aurelius, there was unprecedented freedom of expression for those times. It was a phenomenon in history. For example, comedian writer Marullus allowed himself to criticize the authorities without any consequences.
Roman objects found in grave in Naissus
Roman objects found in a grave in ancient Naissus, present-day city of Niš (south-eastern Serbia). Objects are dated back to 4th century CE. Finding consists of enamelled jug, glass cup, two dice numerated from 1 to 6, and 24 tokens – 2 made of marble and 22 made of bone, with numeration and without it.
Death of Britannicus
Britannicus, a son of the emperor Claudius after his father’s death (he was poisoned by the mother of Nero with a dish of mushrooms) was a big threat to Nero, a half brother. Nero, embracing the purple, was afraid that the Britannicus would want to use his birth in the future and reach for power.
Roman fashion
According to Roman fashion, feasts were organized in the so-called triclinium. In the middle of the room, the table was set up, and the sofas around it, leaving one side “unmarked” (something like a horseshoe was created).
Triclinia could have different sizes – in the picture we can see the smallest possible triclinium, consisting of three sofas. Most often, however, it consisted of nine couches arranged around the table.
Map showing growth of Roman Empire
A very interesting map showing the growth of the Roman Empire from the beginning of the Republic till the crisis of the 3rd century CE.
