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.

Romans are always the first

When, during the conquest of Algeria in 1850, the French general Saint-Arnaud was crossing with his army the Atlas Mountains, through the Kang Pass, he thought he was the first European to take this path.…Więcej

Roman marble head of Bacchus

Roman marble head of Bacchus. Dated back to I BCE – I century CE.Więcej

Roman mosaic showing wild boar

Roman polychromatic mosaic representing a wild boar. Dated back to II-III century CE. Probably an element of a larger composition.Więcej

Defend master!

If the owner of the slave was attacked and threatened with death, his slave was obliged to help his master, even when he has no weapon. He had to use all means to stop the…Więcej

Roman mosaic representing wounded equine

Roman mosaic panel representing a wounded equine. The inscription in Latin “THEBA” may suggest a connection with city Thebes, the name of a horse or a hunter. Dated back to III-IV century CE.Więcej

Gold bracelet in shape of snake

A gold bracelet in the shape of a snake, found in Pompeii. It was believed that wearing such an ornament would guarantee a woman’s fertility.Więcej

Kill Pyrrhus!

Claudius Aelianus mentions that doctor of Pyrrhus – Cineas, wrote a secret letter to the Roman senate and demanded money, promising to murder Pyrrhus using poison. The senators rejected his offer, saying that “for Romans…Więcej

Earliest Roman beliefs

Originally, the Roman religion was animistic and abstract. Finally, Etruscan influences, during the kingdom, caused the Roman deities to become anthropomorphic. From the Etruscans, the custom of setting up temples was also accepted. On Capitol…Więcej

Roman fibula in shape of snail shell

Roman fibula in the shape of a snail shell with a length of 3 cm. The object is made of silver and is dated to the 2nd-3rd century CE.Więcej

Roman cup with details showing centaurs

Roman cup with details showing centaurs. The object is made of silver and gold. Dated to the first century CE.Więcej

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