Roman relief depicting effects of earthquake
Roman relief depicting effects of the earthquake from 62 CE in Pompeii. We can see the collapsed harbour. Object found in House of Cecilio Giocondo in Pompeii.
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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.
Cicero scientist
Cicero is known as the most famous lawyer of ancient times and belongs to the most eminent speakers, lawyers of all time.
We know him less as a philosopher and, as we would say today, a scientist aware of the discoveries also in other areas of knowledge. Natural sciences were called at the time of Cicero as physiology.
Roman coin showing Capricorn
Roman coin of Alexander Severus showing Capricorn. Object is dated to circa 222 CE.
Roman bronze tripod stand
Roman bronze tripod stand. Dated back to circa 1st century CE.
Augustus worshiped only old cults
Suetonius claims that emperor Augustus worshiped only old and permanent cults, i.e. cult of Ceres – he participated in the her mysteries. As he learned some secrets about the mysteries, he later settled the dispute between the participants of the rituals by removing the other judges from the tribunal.
Roman charming silver mouse
Roman charming silver mouse, dated back to I-II century CE.
Coin of Julian the Apostate
Roman coin of Julian the Apostate. On reverse side is seen bull standing beneath two stars. Dated to IV century CE.
Man with donkey
Before the battle of Actium, young Gaius Octavius, adopted son of Julius Caesar, met on the road man with a donkey. Asking a man for a name, he heard that this is called Eutyches, which means “happy” in Greek. In addition, the donkey was to be named Nikon. What is important, the goddess of victory was “Nike”.
Augustus in harmony with rituals
Gaius Octavius, known also as Augustus, during his rule followed divination regarding certain days. He never left he city on the day after the day of the fairs. He also did not start anything in Nonae, explaining that he was willing to “avoid the bad omen from the name”. Nona in Roman mythology was the name of one of the Moirai – Clotho (Greek mythology), spinning thread of human life, and at the same time a goddess helping the nursing.
