Curiosities of ancient Rome
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Roman erotic mosaic showing black slave
Roman erotic mosaic from Timgad (current Algeria), showing black slave. Object dated back to circa I CE. Mosaic found at the entrance to the baths. He is currently in the Museum in Timgad.
Bad luck of Pasitiles
Pliny the Elder mentions that in the first century BCE an artist from southern Italy named Pasitiles went to the wharf – where African animals were kept for performances in the arena – to engrave the lion there. As Pliny ... Read more
Spartacus trick
When Spartacus and his army were surrounded by Romans, he decided to do the trick. He ordered to tie the bodies of fallen comrades to poles outside the camp and arm them with available equipment. This way, he managed to ... Read more
Beautifully decorated Roman ships prow
Roman ships prow ornament made of bronze. Dated back to circa 1st century BCE – 1st century CE.
Roman mosaic showing mice eating nut
Roman mosaic showing mice eating a nut. Object located in Vatican Museum. Dated back to reign of Hadrian (117-138 CE). The mosaic was made with an extremely arduous and precise method opus vermiculatum. Artists creating a mosaic arranged very small ... Read more
Roman mosaic showing pig with porcini
Roman mosaic showing pig with porcini. This beautiful mosaic is located in the Vatican Museum, Rome.
Roman wrought iron tripod with a terracotta kist
Roman wrought iron tripod with a terracotta kist. Found in Pompeii. Currently located in Archaeological Museum in Naples. Dated back to I century CE.
Roman axe head from an iron
Roman axe head from an iron. Object found in Pompeii. Dated back to I century CE. Currently located in Naples, Museo Archeologico Nazionale.
Roman fresco showing winged creature
Roman fresco showing winged creature; probably a griffin. Object found in Pompeii.
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