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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.

Elagabalus married Vestal Virgin

Emperor Elagabalus (reigned in 218-222 CE) was famous for scandalous behavior. One of his worst offenses for the public was being in the relation with priestess of the Roman goddess of a home bonfire, Vesta, whose task was to uphold the eternal fire in the temple. During her 30-year-long service, Vestal Virgin had to keep her virginity, otherwise she would be condemned to death. Heliogabal, regardless of the prestigious function of the Vestals, married one of the priestesses – Aquila Severa.

23 July 2018

Were condoms known to ancient Greeks and Romans?

Were condoms already known to the ancient Greeks and Romans? We can find a lot of information on the Internet that Roman legionaries used animal intestines (especially sheep) as condoms. Is this really true?

22 July 2018

Brutus – traitor forever

Marcus Junius Brutus is still the embodiment of betrayal. Although today we know him almost exclusively as a killer of Caesar during his lifetime he was also famous as an outstanding rhetorician and expert on philosophy – for what he was highly appreciated by Cicero. Moreover, it is worth noting that although he eventually became one of Caesar’s close associates, he had already fought against him and always identified with the conservative, traditional part of the Roman political scene.

21 July 2018

Boxing was a popular sport in Rome

Boxing (pugilatus) was a popular sport in ancient Rome. In order to protect the hands from damage, fists were wrapped with leather thongs. With time, the harder skin was used, which increased the strength of the blow and caused more damage. Boxing came to Rome from the Greek culture, but their innovation was to “improve” the straps that wrap the fists by attaching nails and other sharp metal parts or mounting metal plates. The Roman glove was called cestus.

20 July 2018

Fragment of the Boxer sculpture from the Quirinal

Roman head in good condition

Roman head preserved in good condition. The object is made of marble; dated back to around 30 BCE.

20 July 2018

Reproduction of Roman chair of emperor Trajan

Reproduction of the Roman chair of Emperor Trajan. The object is made of wrought iron and finished with a green patina.

29 October 2017

Reproduction of Roman chair of emperor Trajan

Surus – Hannibal’s elephant

Hannibal – during the invasion of Italy, during the Second Punic War – took 37 elephants with him, of which 10 animals did not survive the harsh conditions and harsh winter. He used the remaining elephants during the battle of Trebia¹. After this battle, the rest of the elephants died of wounds and colds, except for one – named Surus.

9 May 2015