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.

Muse with kithara

Roman marble sculpture showing muse holding a kithara. Object dated back to II century CE.Więcej

Roman marble sculptures of men

Roman marble group of two young boys. Dated bac to I-II century CE.Więcej

Roman cradle for children

The only Roman cradle found in Pompeii.Więcej

Did Romans use whistles on the battlefield?

In the teritory, which was once under the rule of the Roman Empire, scientists find many interesting objects. Among them are whistles. But the question is whether the whistles, apart from everyday life, were also…Więcej

Cameo showing Augustus, Livia and young Nero

Cameo showing Augustus, Livia and young Nero. The object was created in the middle of the 1st century CE, during the reign of Nero (54-68 CE). The young emperor wanted to emphasize his connection with…Więcej

Scorpion bombs

“Scorpion bombs” were weapons used by the Arsakids defending themselves against the Roman invasion in 198 CE. The clay pots filled with live, poisonous scorpions were thrown out from behind the walls of the defending…Więcej

Marble head of Roman youth

Roman marble head of a youth. Dated back to second half of the 1st century CE.Więcej

Aquila, Roman legionary eagle

Aquila, a Roman legionary eagle, found in a field near the village of Sălcuta in Romania. The eagle has dimensions: length 168mm, height 82mm, weight 340g. The legs of the animal have not survived to…Więcej

Roman ink

Today, Roman letters are associated mainly with a monumental square capital, engraved in stone arches and columns. On a daily basis, however, the inhabitants of the empire – writings letters, poems or keeping trade correspondence…Więcej

Amazing gem with bust of Minerva

Amazing Roman gem with the bust of Minerva. Made from semi-precious-stones and amethyst. Dated back to 1st – 2nd century CE.Więcej

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