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.

Wall fresco showing great villa

Detail of the wall decoration in the atrium depicting a large villa. Located in House of Menander (Casa del Menandro, I, 10, 4), Pompeii.Więcej

Tepidarium in Pompeian baths

Tepidarium of the men’s baths (built I century BCE) in Forum Baths. Located in Pompeii. Tepidarium was a room heated in Roman baths with the so-called hypocaustum – warm air under the floor. In this…Więcej

Fresco showing dog chasing deer

Detail from the wall decoration on the left-hand side of the atrium, depicting a dog chasing a stag. Painting in 3rd Pompeian style. The fresco was made in the 1st century CE and is located…Więcej

Roman fresco depicting carpenter at work

Roman fresco showing carpenter working with hammer and chisel, possibly Icarus, the son of Daedalus. A fragment of the painting “Daedalus and Pasiphaë” in triclinium in the House of the Vettii. The painting was made…Więcej

Preserved Roman bowl with eggs

Roman bowl with eggs that were preserved under the ashes from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. Found in Pompeii, currently located in the National Archaeological Museum, in Naples.Więcej

Brothel room in Pompeii

Room in Pompeian lupanar with a stone bed. Discoveries in Pompeii allow to presume that the chambers in which prostitutes offered their services had no door; instead curtains were used. Only stone beds have survived…Więcej

Burnt plant seeds from Pompeii

Burnt plant seeds from Pompeii. Plants used by the Romans to prepare aromatic oils and perfumes included roses, lilies, myrtle, violets, hyacinths and irises. They were mixed with olive oil and grape juice. Those were…Więcej

Roman mosaic showing skull with wheel

Roman floor mosaic showing skull with wheel. Object found in Pompeii and now is located in National Archaeological Museum, Naples. The circle symbolizes here Fortune, which can bring wealth (shown as purple material, on the…Więcej

Roman sundial from Pompeii

Roman sundial on top of the Ionic column on the left hand side of the steps of the Temple of Apollo. Object found in Pompeii.Więcej

Roman mosaic of a satyr and nymph

Roman mosaic of a satyr and nymph. Located in House of Faun, Pompeii.Więcej

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