Curiosities of ancient Rome

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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.

Roman inkwell

Roman inkwell from circa 100-300 CE. Found in Britain. Inscription “IVCVNDI”, means “owned by Iucundus”.Więcej

Nero loved to perform as Hercules

Apparently, Nero loved to perform as famous hero Hercules. His opponent was to be a lion, who was prepared and trained in such a way that the naked ruler could kill him with one blow…Więcej

Caligula and exile

When the Roman emperor Caligula asked one of the exiles, what he was doing in exile, he replied that all this time he had prayed for death of Tiberius and ascending the throne of Caligula.…Więcej

Etruscan bronze mirror

Etruscan bronze mirror from Italy inscribed with a scene with a soothsayer.Więcej

Problem of Caligula

Suetonius indicates that the emperor Caligula was heavily mentally unbalanced. Apparently, the ruler was very worried about the fact that under his rule there was no great tragedy that would have gone down in history.…Więcej

Roman marble table from Pompeii

Roman marble table with legs decorated with face and lion’s claws. Dated back to 1st century CE. Object found in Pompeii.Więcej

Saint Augustine’s approach towards slavery

Slavery was a practice commonly used and accepted in the ancient and especially Roman world. Christianity, by nature, directed at doing good things to the other people, had different attitude. Saint Augustine also had his…Więcej

Roman marble urn

Roman marble cinerary urn of Baebia Satyra and M. Catonius Threptus. Object dated back to late 1st century CE. On the front of object is relief of two erotes. There is also Latin inscription translated…Więcej

Even slave in army

After the tragic defeat of the Romans at Cannae in 216 BCE Rome was so deprived of recruits that there were even enlisted slaves to the army. They were called voluntarii or volones. In a…Więcej

Roman bronze balsamarium

Roman bronze balsamarium with silver inlays. Object dated back to 2nd-3rd century CE.Więcej

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