Commercial inscription in Rome
Titulus pictus was a commercial inscription made on the surface of a given artifact (such as an amphora).
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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.
Old photo of Pompeii
Old photo of ruins in Pompeii from 1890s. It was hand colored.
Emperor’s speech to assembled soldiers
Adlocutio was the emperor’s speech to the assembled soldiers. In general, the ruler directed them to soldiers before the commencement of the war campaign, during a visit or on another particularly important occasion. Adlocutio can be seen only on numismatic monuments, where usually the emperor is standing on the tribune (suggestus), assisted by praefectus castrorum, who directs his speech towards the army presented in the form of ensigns (signifer).
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).
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.
