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.

Realistic Roman portrait of older woman

Realistic Roman bronze head of a woman. Dated back to 1st century BCE.Więcej

Roman fleet did not use slaves

The Roman fleet did not use slaves for service at sea. The boatmen, sailors and naval sailors were ordinary auxiliares who in exchange for a good 26-year military service could expect them to be granted…Więcej

Unique fresco showing kidnapping of Cassandra

Roman fresco showing Ajax, so-called “Little”, kidnapping Cassandra (the daughter of King of Troy, Priam), who sought shelter at the foot of the wooden statue of Athena (so-called palladium or palladium). Ajax was also supposed…Więcej

Bust of Empress Faustina the Elder

A marble bust of Faustina the Elder (Faustina Major) – the wife of Emperor Antoninus Pius (138-161 CE). The bust is in the Capitoline Museums in Rome. The Empress died in the early period of…Więcej

Mills in bakery in Pompeii

Over thirty bakeries were excavated in Pompeii and Herculaneum. The picture shows the grain mills (catullus) operated by slaves that were found in the bakery (pistrinum) in Pompeii.Więcej

Phoenix in Roman painting

Roman wall painting showing the phoenix. The object dated to the 1st century CE; found in Pompeii. It is currently in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.Więcej

Portrait of young woman on wall in Pompeii

Portrait of a young woman painted on a wall in a bedroom (cubiculum). The object is located in the house – so-called Casa degli Amorini dorati, VI, 16, 7) in Pompeii. Painted in the 1st…Więcej

Resting dog in Roman fresco

Wall fresco showing a resting dog. This detail is part of a larger composition presenting Endymion and the goddess Selena, located on the wall of triclinium – the dining room at home Casa dell’Ara massima,…Więcej

Southern Agora in Aphrodisias

The South Agora of Aphrodisias, located in southwestern Turkey, was one of two public squares within the ancient city. Agora was founded in the 1st century CE and until now it was seen as a…Więcej

Roman mosaic showing soldier in fight

Detail of a Roman mosaic depicting an armored warrior battling an Amazon. Object located in Antakya (Turkey). Dated back to 4th century CE.Więcej

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