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 gold statuette

Roman gold statuette uncovered in Pompeii, showing wild goat. Dated back to 1st century CE. Object currently located in Archaeological Museum in Naples.Więcej

Beautifully decorated Roman pitcher jug

Roman painted glass one handled jug. Dated back to I century CE. Found in Ismant el-Kharab, ancient Kellis, Egypt. Depicting combatant gladiators.Więcej

Roman glass head flask

Roman glass head flask. Dated back to 1st-2nd century CE.Więcej

Roman cement strengthened with wine

Lucius Aurelius Avianius Symmachus – Prefect of Rome from 364 CE – supervised the constructions under water. In order to achieve cement strength under water, some amount of wine was added to it. However, such…Więcej

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.Więcej

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…Więcej

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.…Więcej

Beautifully decorated Roman ships prow

Roman ships prow ornament made of bronze. Dated back to circa 1st century BCE – 1st century CE.Więcej

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…Więcej

Roman mosaic showing pig with porcini

Roman mosaic showing pig with porcini. This beautiful mosaic is located in the Vatican Museum, Rome.Więcej

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