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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.
Slave – an object
Ancient Romans treated slaves like things and did not pay much attention to their lives. Marcus Terentius Varro, a man considered as one of the best-educated ancient Romans, treated slaves as nothing other than speaking tool (instrumentum vocale). In addition, he believed that food should not be wasted on sick and unemployed slaves, and that they should not eat too much.
Made of bronze sculpture of Triton
Roman bronze Triton from circa 2nd century CE. It was perhaps a fitting from a ship.
Torches on Hadrian’s wall
In 2012, fire torches were lit on the remains of the Hadrian’s wall to commemorate the 1600th anniversary of leaving the Britain (412 CE) by the Romans. In total there were 500 points of light. A similar event took place in 2010.
Crassus’ fire brigade
Marcus Licinius Crassus was one of the richest Romans in history. One of his ways to become rich was organizing a “fire brigade”.
Unhappy number 17
In Italy, the number 17 is considered unhappy. After converting Roman numerals XVII in such a way as to create the word “VIXI”. In Latin, the word means “my life is over.”
Marble head of Emperor Constans
The marble head of the emperor Constans – ruling in 337-350 CE.
