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.

Roman brazier shaped like altar

Brazier shaped like an altar. Bronze, from Pompeii.Więcej

Onomatopoeias in Roman comedies

Onomatopoeias in Roman comedies: “hahae” – laughter; “vae” – disgust; “ehem” – surprise; “heu” – sadness; “uah” – embarrassment.Więcej

Lararium in Pompeii

Lararium – small niche for Lares, the household gods. Located in Pompeii, dated back to I century CE.Więcej

Unusual bust of Ptolemy Apion

An unusual bust of Ptolemy Apion. The object was found in the Papyrus Villa in Herculaneum. It is currently in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples. Ptolemy Apion is the last ruler of Cyrenaica, who…Więcej

Fate of a Satyricon-based slave

The position of a slave in the Roman world is well illustrated in a fragment of the work – Satyricon, whose authorship is attributed to Gaius Petronius – the first-century expert in good taste and…Więcej

Submission of bull in sacrifice

Roman fresco showing an offering a bull for sacrifice. Object found in Pompeii. Dated back to I century CE. Currently located in Museo Archeologico Nazionale, Naples.Więcej

Festoon with masks, leaves and fruit on Roman mosaic

Festoon with masks, leaves and fruit. Found in Casa del Fauno, Pompeii VI 12, 2. Currently located in Museo Archeologico Nazionale, Naples.Więcej

Roman mosaic showing aquatic animals

Aquatic animals. Part of a mosaic from Pompeii.Więcej

Roman fresco showing dancers

Roman fresco showing dancers. Found in Pompeii, Villa of Cicerone. Currently located in Naples Museum.Więcej

Remains of hand-cart in Pompeii

Remains of a hand-cart in a ruined Pompeii house. Dated back to I century CE.Więcej
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