Curiosities of ancient Rome

This page is also available in: Polish (polski)

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 fresco showing male officiant

Roman fresco showing male officiant. Object found in the temple of Isis in Pompeii. Located in Museo Archeologico Nazionale (Naples).Więcej

Reconstruction of image of dictator Sulla

An attempt to reconstruct the image of dictator Lucius Cornelius Sulla based on a bust from Munich. He was a life appointed dictator, and his rule was the time of persecution of political opponents –…Więcej

Roman fresco showing fullers

Roman fresco from the fullonica (dyer’s shop) of Veranius Hypsaeus in Pompeii. Object dated to I century CE; found in Pompeii. Now located in the National museum of Naples. The man on the left is…Więcej

Roman way for hangover

Romans recommended a cold drink from the mixed raw owl’s eggs, the fried intestines of the sheep, spiced with milk thistle extract and charred bread.Więcej

Roman door planks found at Vindolanda

Roman door planks found at Vindolanda with carved numerals – possibly showing barrack room numbers.Więcej

Food tester in Rome

Pregustator was a person (usually a slave) who tried to eat or drink before serving. The rulers had a whole host of such testers, afraid to be poisoned.Więcej

Beautiful Roman gold cup

Beautiful Roman gold cup, found in Pompeii. Dated to I century BCE.Więcej

Carved footprints in Italica

Footprints carved in marble. The object was found in the Roman amphitheater in Italica (province of Sevilla, Spain). There are more finds of this type. Those are referred as – plantae pedum. As it turns…Więcej

Beautifully decorated Romn jar with eagles

Beautifully decorated bronze jar, with representations of eagles. Object found in Herculaneum. Dated back to 1st century CE.Więcej

Name of month January

Name of the month January comes from the Roman god Janus. The Latin name of the month of January is Ianuarius. He was the god of all origins, and also the guardian of doors, gates,…Więcej

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