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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.

Roman dagger from Rossington Bridge

Roman dagger. A Roman soldier lost the dagger in the waters and marshland near Rossington Bridge Roman fort. The iron dagger had a bone handle which consisted of several parts, each separated by the iron washers on the existing tang which can still be seen.

Roman dagger from Rossington Bridge

Great victory under Tigranocerta

Battle of Tigranocerta was fought on October 6, 69 BCE. It was one of the greatest Roman victories in history. Consisting of nearly 40, 000 Roman army, commanded by Lucius Licinnius Lucullus, opposed the Armenian army under the command of Tigranes the Great, in the strength of 80-100 thousand soldiers. Interestingly, before the battle, both leaders were to say interesting words to their adversaries – although those were probably both apocryphal.

Battle of Tigranocerta

War chariots

War chariots were found in Europe and the Middle East. The Romans described chariot as currus falcatus. The war chariot was equipped with scythes called falces, placed on both sides of the wheel axle and at the drawbar. It should be noted that the Roman army basically did not use chariots for military purposes, at most as a parade or means of transport for couriers.

Roman chariot

Reconstruction of image of Cleopatra VII

An attempt to reconstruct the image of Cleopatra VII. The queen seduced Julius Caesar himself, and later Mark Antony. For centuries, Cleopatra was considered to be extremely beautiful, as evidenced by historians. However, the researchers decided to conduct their own research. Research on the coin from two thousand years ago showed that the famous Cleopatra, the last queen of Egypt, who seduced Julius Caesar, and after his death Marc Antony, in fact, was ugly. She had a pointed chin, a narrow mouth and a large nose.

An attempt to reconstruct the image of Cleopatra VII

Remains of Roman scaled armor

Roman infantry scale and plate armour found around Hadrian’s Wall. Currently located in Tullie Museum and Art Gallery in Carlisle (northern England).

Remnant of Roman scale armor

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