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Curiosities of ancient Rome
The world of ancient Romans abounded in a number of amazing curiosities and information. The source of knowledge about the life of the Romans are mainly works left to us by ancient writers or discoveries. The Romans left behind a lot of strange information and facts that are sometimes hard to believe.
Beautiful Roman ring
Roman gold finger ring with cameo, dated back to 2nd century CE
Swastika – symbol of happiness and prosperity
Swastika, as a result of Hitler and Nazi Germany, became a symbol of hatred and racial segregation. Not many however realize that 卐 symbol was already used in ancient times, all around the world, and had a completely different meaning.
Roman globular glass jug
Roman globular glass jug. Dated back to I-II century CE.
Elagabalus married Vestal Virgin
Emperor Elagabalus (reigned in 218-222 CE) was famous for scandalous behavior. One of his worst offenses for the public was being in the relation with priestess of the Roman goddess of a home bonfire, Vesta, whose task was to uphold the eternal fire in the temple. During her 30-year-long service, Vestal Virgin had to keep her virginity, otherwise she would be condemned to death. Heliogabal, regardless of the prestigious function of the Vestals, married one of the priestesses – Aquila Severa.
Were condoms known to ancient Greeks and Romans?
Were condoms already known to the ancient Greeks and Romans? We can find a lot of information on the Internet that Roman legionaries used animal intestines (especially sheep) as condoms. Is this really true?
Brutus – traitor forever
Marcus Junius Brutus is still the embodiment of betrayal. Although today we know him almost exclusively as a killer of Caesar during his lifetime he was also famous as an outstanding rhetorician and expert on philosophy – for what he was highly appreciated by Cicero. Moreover, it is worth noting that although he eventually became one of Caesar’s close associates, he had already fought against him and always identified with the conservative, traditional part of the Roman political scene.
Boxing was a popular sport in Rome
Boxing (pugilatus) was a popular sport in ancient Rome. In order to protect the hands from damage, fists were wrapped with leather thongs. With time, the harder skin was used, which increased the strength of the blow and caused more damage. Boxing came to Rome from the Greek culture, but their innovation was to “improve” the straps that wrap the fists by attaching nails and other sharp metal parts or mounting metal plates. The Roman glove was called cestus.
Roman head in good condition
Roman head preserved in good condition. The object is made of marble; dated back to around 30 BCE.
Reproduction of Roman chair of emperor Trajan
Reproduction of the Roman chair of Emperor Trajan. The object is made of wrought iron and finished with a green patina.
