If you have found a spelling error, please, notify us by selecting that text and pressing Ctrl+Enter.
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.
Rome today still hides many secrets, and visitors to this city can encounter evidence of its former power at every step. The impressive Colosseum or Pantheon, evidence of ancient technical thought, proudly towers above the crowds of tourists. However, some places offer almost intimate experiences and contain the pure spirit of antiquity. For just such an experience, we can visit the house of Octavian Augustus himself.
In ancient Roman culture, laurel leaves held great significance as a symbol of triumph, honor, and achievement. The idea of being crowned with laurel, signified a high level of accomplishment and recognition.
Mythological motifs have always been very important in Greco-Roman art. When selecting the topic of their works, ancient artists tried to take into account the most moving, emotionally charged, shocking or tragic motifs of their myths.
Sculpture of a Roman boy. The object dates back to the beginning of the 2nd century CE. The artifact is located in Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek in Copenhagen (Denmark).
Sculpture of a Roman from the 1st century BCE. The artifact is located in Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek in Copenhagen (Denmark).
When we visit museums of ancient art, we usually admire marble or bronze sculptures depicting beautiful figures – gods, goddesses, heroes, warriors, nymphs, etc. The art of those times is associated with the cult of the beauty of the human body, youth, harmonious proportions, classic beauty, well-groomed muscles. e.t.c.
Roman sculpture depicting the goddess Juno (Greek Hera). The object dates back to the mid-2nd century CE. The artifact is located in Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek in Copenhagen (Denmark).
Roman sculpture of Flavia Domitilla – daughter of Vespasian. Object dated to 69-96 CE. The artifact is located in Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek in Copenhagen (Denmark).
There is strong evidence that the ancient Greeks and Romans knew the world was a round globe before the rest of the world learned of it.
Roman sculpture probably depicting Emperor Nerva (reigned 96-98 CE), who took over after the death of Domitian and handed over power to Trajan. The artifact is located in Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek in Copenhagen (Denmark).
