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.

Miniature Roman altar

Roman marble miniature altar with bronze attachments. Object found in Pompeii.Więcej

Lack of enemies is threat

Plutarch mentions that most of the people claimed that the destruction of Carthage and the conquest of Greece gave Rome security and a chance of harmonious existence. The Greek historian, however, cites the opinion of…Więcej

Roman boiler for water

Ancient Roman boiler from Pompeii. It was used to produce hot water while resting on an iron tripod.Więcej

Flowers around Colosseum

Flowers from North Africa are still growing around the Colosseum. Their seeds were probably brought to Rome thanks to lions and other exotic animals (eg. in fur), which were brought to the capital for the…Więcej

Statue of Marcus Claudius Marcellus

Roman marble statue of Marcus Claudius Marcellus, nephew and son-in-law of Augustus. Object dated to 23 BCE. Found in Pompeii; currently in National Archaeological Museum in Naples.Więcej

Wars only in summer

Ancient Romans as farming people wars only fought in the summer between the times of sowing and harvest, and before winter, when military maneuvers were more difficult. For the first time in the winter, Rome…Więcej

Roman votive offering in form of leg

Roman votive offering in the form of a leg. Object dated to the 1st – 3rd century CE; made of terracotta. Ancient Romans had the habit of folding terra-cotta objects that simulated animals, human (including…Więcej

Plague in ancient times

When the plague appeared in any ancient city, so many people died that government gave up individual burials for the mass burying of the dead. An example of such a burial is a mass grave…Więcej

Roman glass image of woman

Roman glass portrait of a woman. Dated back to 1st – 2nd century CE.Więcej

Dried manure is medicine?

From the category of alternative methods of treatment. Pliny the Elder states that wounds and bruises are best treated with dried dung of wild boar taken in spring. Such a method is recommended, for example,…Więcej

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